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THE 



HISTORY OF PERU 

In the County of Oxford and State of Maine 

FROM 1789 TO 1911 




Residents and Genealogies 

of their Famihes also 

a part of Franklin Plan. 



By HOLLIS TURNER 



Press of the Maine Farmer Pub. Co., Augusta, Me. 






PREFACE 



"How dear to my heart are the scenes of my childhood. 
When fond recollection presents them to view; 

The orchard, the meadow, the deep tangled wildwood, 
And every loved spot whicli my infancy knew. 

"The wide spreading pond and the mill that stood by it. 
The bridge and the rock where the cataract fell; 

The cot of my father, the dairy-house nigh it, 

And e'en the rude bucket wdiich hung in the well. 

The old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket. 

The moss-covered bucket whicli hung in the well." 

These lines of Wadswortli, save the "Oaken Bucket," fittingly 
show the environment of writer when seven years old. Over three- 
score years and ten bring visions of a great multitude who have 
outrun him in life's pathway and laid down the armor. Writer is 
left to recount their stewardship. Who else would undertake the 
thankless task? 

As we go down the annals of time, generations are soon lost in 
oblivion if no records perpetuate their memory. Their culture, 
attributes and achievements are forgotten and lost without a record. 
Our kindred, however dear, are unknown frequently beyond the 
third generation. Writer has found men who did not know the 
name of their grandparents. No record was kept of their gene- 
alogy. This compilation is prompted by a desire that Peru shall 
go down in history with a record revealing at least some of the 
good deeds and moral worth of her people, and their genealogy, 
occupation and prosperity, covering a period from 1790 to 1910. 

"Lives of great men all remind us 
We can make our lives sublime, 

And, departing, leave behind us 
Footprints on the sands of time. 

"Footprints that perhaps another. 
Sailing o'er life's stormy main, 

A forlorn and ship-wrecked brother 
Seeing may take heart again. 

"Let us, then, be ,up and doing, 

With a heart for any fate; 
Still achieving, still pursuing. 

Learn to labor and to wait." 



}f^dpr 



Abbreviations used in this work: — ae, age, aged; b, born, birth; 
Cem., Cemetery; dis., disability; dan., daughter; Jr., Junior; m, 
married; vill., village; bros., brothers; Cent., Center; d, died; disc, 
discharged; res., residence; sen., senior; u m, unmarried. 




Yours Truly. MOLLIS TURXER-l.s;{2-i9ii. 




18.^2. MOLLIS TURNER. 1853. 




Purchase of Township No. 1 

HE OKKMXATi purchasers of Townsliip No. 1, 
and the conveyances on behalf of the Com- 
monwealth of ^Massachusetts, as shown by the 
volumes of Eastern Lands' Deeds, with dates 
and prices of sale, are as follows : 

June "34, 1T89, to Wm. Wedgery of Xew 
(iloucester, 4480 acres adjoining- Xew Pennicook (Kumford) and 
Androscoggin river ; price paid, 405 pounds, 19 shillings, 8 pence, 
English currency, equivalent to .$20-29. 92, or about 45 cents per 
acre. The next deed is one to Daniel Lunt of Falmouth, convey- 
ing 4880 acres in Township Xo. 1, Jan. 29, 1790; price paid, 738 
pounds, equivalent to $;U)90, or a fraction over 75 cents per acre. 
Trice advanced 30 cents an acre in seven months. The next deed 
in point of time is one to John Fox of Portland, conveying 2000 
acres, March 13, 1792; price paid, 162 pounds, five shillings, eight 
pence, equivalent to $811.42. or about 41 cents per acre. This 
])ayment was made in the securities of Commonwealth, and. in 
addition, 19 pounds specie was paid, equivalent to $95.00. averag- 
ing cost per acre 45 cents, same as first purchase mentioned. The 
next and last deed is one conveying to Isaac Thompson, Joshua 
Fddv a!x(l Vv'm. T]"iomi)S()n of ^Iid(''eborough, and James Sprout 
oP Taunt in, all of Township \'>. 1 not covered in the tliiee deeds 
above iiii'Mi ivned, and reserviii'; f"Ui' imblic lois nilh 100 acres 
to each settler on the land before Jan. 1, 178!:. This last deed is 
dated June 10, 1790. To cominite the nuu'.ber of acres compr;'^- 
ing the last sale, we 'need to k7iow the size of the townsbi]) at d;ite 
of sale. Hon. Wm. ^l. Olin. Secietary of the Commonwealth, 
under date of July 3, 1907, very kindly gives the nrices quoted and 
the whole number of acres, 24,150 (moie oi- less) ; deducting the 
l)rior sales, 11,360 acres, there remain 13,390 acres, covering the 
sale of June 10, 1796; nrice, $3245.74, or about -r) cents per aero. 



The First Settlers 

X^o one of the grantees named in above sales became at-tual set- 
tlers in the township. There is a tradition that Meri'ill Knight 
of Falmouth sliaicd witli the said Daniel Tvunt in bis !)urchasc of 



6 History of the Town of Peru 

the 4880 acres; that it grew out of the transaction whereby the 
said Knight eniphoyed the said Lunt to visit the Land Sales' Office 
and make the purchase, furnishing the money for that purpose, 
and when the said Lunt returned he reported the sum sent was 
not equal to the price paid, necessitating his furnishing a part of 
the })urchase money and. therefore, claiming a share of the same. 
So far as known, the purchase was divided mutually between them. 
Knight received the north half and furnished to each of his sons 
and to those of his daughters who settled in town, a farm. 

Daniel Lunt turned his share of the land estate over to his sons, 
A\'illiam Lunt, Daniel Lunt, Jr., and James Lunt, who were early 
pioneers here. They were sons by first wife. She was Molly Star- 
bird before marriage. Geo. W. Lunt came to Peru later. He also 
shared his fath.er"s estate here. He and Francis Lunt were sons 
of Daniel Lunt ])y his second wife, Eunice Conant before marriage. 

First Clearing in Township 

The names of Fox, Lunt and Thompson are kept in memory 
by their several grants, as given in the plan of the town. The rest 
of the grantees are unknown, generally. This work supplies that 
knowledge. Li adjusting the town line between Peru and Hart- 
ford, a portion of Tliompson's grant was taken to Hartford. 

Merrill Knight of Falmouth made in person the first clearing 
in the forest of Township No. 1 during the summer of 1794. His 
family remained in Falmouth during this period, though one or 
more of his sons may have assisted in this labor. They felled the 
trees ready for burning the next year, and returned home. This 
opening in the wilderness was on the second farm on the Eiver 
road above Peru railroad station. In the spring of 1795, Merrill 
Knight and workmen returned to his new home, burned the felled 
trees, planted and sowed what he wanted, ajid built a log-house 
with two rooms on first floor. This building had to serve double 
purpose, as storeliousc and dwelling, for a time. 

First House Built 

In the fall of 170.") the building was serviceable to live in, and 
Mr. Knight returned to Falmouth for his family, or at least his 
wife and youngest child, Merrill, Jr., who was then two years old 
There were ten other children then living, three sons and seven 
daughters. They all followed, evidently, soon after the parents 
came. Settlements had begun on the east side of the Androscoo-- 



History of the Town of Peru 7 

gin, at Jay Point (Canton Point) in 1792, and several pioneer 
families were located in this region prior to the coming of Ivnight. 
This was the main line of travel from the seaboard towns, as 
emigrants pushed further back into the wilderness. They came 
via the Indian trails from Brunswick Falls and Lewiston, guided 
bv spotted trees. The travel was confined to a foot-path for man 
and beast. Our heroic pioneer, Merrill Knight, traveled this route 
on foot, and his heroic wife, the mother of eleven children then 
living, rode on back of horse from Falmouth, bearing their young- 
est child, two years old, in her arms. But few families in our 
day would undertake the hardship and privation that lay before 
them. Mr. Knight was tlien about 49 years old; married when 
17-18 years old. Judging from dates of birth of children, this 
couple had probaldy been married about 32 years. 

First Crops Raised— First House Burned 

Xow we find Mr. Knight and wife in their new home, busily 
engaged in fall harvest. In addition to the usual crops of corn 
and vegetahles, they had a patch of flax to convert into cloth for 
garments. This involved much labor of man and house\nfe. Flax 
was swingled to tow, and this spun and wove l)y the good house- 
wife at home with tlie old spinning wheel run by foot powder, and 
the hand loom. Tow clotli was in common wear for shirts and 
trousers. At first wearing and pending several washings, the 
slirives of flax, still fastened to the cloth, would chafe the skin to 
a painful degree. 

Completing the harvest, the beef animal was killed and quar- 
ters suspended from the rafters in the chamber. The tow was 
stored in house, ready for labor of winter. The bounteous harvest 
gave good cheer, and all went merry and w^ell, happy as a marriage 
Ijell. But, alas I mortal man little knows what is in store for 
him. Somehow, no one can tell how, fire came in contact with 
t!ie tow. setting the house on fire in the night. Some one of the 
occupants awoke, having barely time for them to snatch their daily 
clothing and escape alive. Everything was consumed, save tlie old 
horse and a small boat, proljably a log dug-out in the river. Their 
nearest neighbor was down the Indian trail, four miles, to the 
Wilson mansion, on the other side of the river. That they were 
stricken with sorrow and discouraged, no one can doubt. I seem 
to see the destitute family standing sentinels over the burning 
embers of expiring hopes till break of day, then slowly and wearily 
they wend their way towards the lands from whence they came. ' 



8 PIlSTORY OF THE ToWN OF PeRU 

Colonists on the Way to Native Land 

Tlie Wilson farm at this period was a general rendezvous for 
the traveling public. Here the stricken family tarry for rest and 
rjefreshment. Their distress was made known and their host 
called a meeting of the settlers down the line, to convene at his 
place on short notice. They res])ond promptly. They learn of 
Merrill Knight and wife, their condition and discouragement, and 
their purpose to return to the land of their nativity. These gen- 
erous, noble people, though residents of another town, soon de- 
termined to induce their neighbor colonist to return to his chosen 
lot of land and build another house, tendering their labor and 
offering the family a home at the AVilson house till tlie house could 
be made ready to occupy. They finally accept the proffered char- 
ity and work was begun soon on the new house. Evidently, this 
also was a log house. There is evidence of a building foundation 
east of the Eiver road and near line of road in tlu^ old orcliard 
south of the barn. This farm and its buildings were destined to 
be the 1ml) of the new township, and were important factors in 
town affairs in colonial days. 

Plantation Meetings 

It is believed all the plantation meetings were held continually 
at the house of Merrill Knight, from March 23, 1812, when the 
township was incorporated and became Plantation No. 1, till Sep- 
tember 20, 1817, when meeting was called at the new schoolhouse 
at the top of the hill, on the "new county road," and on this farm. 
Records show that March meeting, 1814, was held at dwellin^^* 
house of Merrill Knight. Prior to this date the recoi-ds fail to 
specify place of meeting. Subsequent to above date the records 
show meetings continued at house of Merrill Knight. He built, 
after the second log house, a large, two-story frame house on same 
location of the present site. It is believed the nuH'tings were held 
in tlie unfinished second story. 

In ])lantation meeting, December 11, 181o, voted "to have a 
man's school at Merrill Knight's two months this winter and two 
months next summer, in the P]astern and Western districts.'" The 
amount laised this yeai- for t-cliools was $r)0.()(). 

Merrill Knight was chosen moderator of the first plantation 
meeting after incorporation, held April 6, 1812. He was a public 
benefaitor. He estahlished the first ferry between Putnam's fcrry» 
seven miles north, on the Androscog;i:in river, and Hatliaway's. 
feriy, five miles down the river, in (Vinton. 



HlSTOPxY OF THE ToWN OF PeRU 9 

First Pioneer, the First Proprietor of Ferry 

The ferry was on this farm, known for quarter of a century as 
Knight's ferry. The hoat landing at Peru side of tlie river was 
at the terminus of the "Xew County Eoad," the first road meii- 
tioned on the early records of Township Xo. 1. It was the only 
route from towns north and east of the river to Simmer, Hartford, 
and Paris Court House. This place in those days was frequented 
hy more people than home churches are in our day. This road 
was built the shortest route over hills and mountains. It wa.s 
evidently the first wrought public highway in the townshi]). Its 
location will appear on another page. 

A crossing of the river began at this point, witli the clearing 
of the wilderness. The ferry was owned and run by Mr. Knight 
during his lifetime. At his decease his son, ^lerrill, Jr., was his 
successor to farm and ferry. The large boat had a capacity lim- 
ited to a one-horse team. Tlie propelling power was sculling in 
deep water, or could push witli j)ole in shoal water. It \Tas no 
easy work at high pitch of water. This ferry continued till about 
1828, when it was discontinued, and the boat served at a new ferry 
established about one and one-half miles up the river, l)y Jeremiali 
Hall. This ferry was subsequently owned by Solomon T. Alden, 
and lastly l)y Leonard H. Brown. 

First Cemetery in Plantation 

Merrill Knight gave and set apart for public use one acre of 
his interval land for a cemetery. This burial lot adjoined tlie 
soutii line of loadway to the ferry. His grave is near the line at 
head of lot. A slate headstone bears the inscription, "Merrill 
Kniglit. died April 1st, I.SIT, in his T'^nd year. He was an indus- 
trious, lionoiahle man. It is due to his enterprise, foresight and 
resource that the wilderness was made to bloom and the town had 
its birtii."* 

Hut little knowledge of bis wife is available. She was li\ing 
with s(m, ^Merrill, on the home farm in the winter of 181<). Her 
na:i:e does not appear in the census of IS-^O. X'o giave-stono is 
round in the family lot. Evidently she died before the census. 

Kight of their eleven children— four sons and four dangliters 

niade homes in Peru. (Join, the oldest S(m. had the second lot 
liHck and west of the rivei-, on the '"Xew County K'oad."" lea.ling 
IVoni ferry l,v hous<- of Merrill Knight, up Town House hill by 
the first sclioolhousc, used for town meetings. He cleared and 
lived on this lot. a i)ros])erous farmer through life. 



10 History of the Town of Peru 

A New County and Its Shire Town 

While Township No. 1 was subduing the wilderness, fighting 
forest fires to save their cabins, enduring liardship, and fearing 
daily, as the shades of niglit drew on, an attack In' wild beasts or 
Indians, a single political event w^as the means of shaping the 
demands imposed on the taxpayers. The event was the formation 
of a new county, and making Paris the shire to^\Ti. Had any 
otlier town north or south of Paris been the shire towTi, there 
would have been no special call to bviild the New County Road 
over the mountain to accommodate the lawyers of East Oxford 
to the most direct line from Knight's Ferry to the Court House, 
and the lawyers would not have had the golden opportunity to 
incite the Court of C. P. to impose fines of $iOO on the town for 
failing to keep a well-trod road through the drifting snows of 
March term of court. 

Oxford County was incorporated in 1805, and named by Gen. 
David Leonard of Livermore, in said county. He came from 
Massachusetts prior to 1790. He named it after Oxford, Mass. 
He served as sheriff in tlie new county, also as representative to 
the General Court at Boston. He died in Livermore in 1811, in 
the prime of life, aged 44 years. 

It is shown in 1910 that Oxford County has furnished six 
governors of Maine, six governors of otlier states, twenty repre- 
sentatives in Congress, four U. S. senators and one vice president, 
superintendents of schools in other states and one general in the 
army. Writer served under that general. Gen. Grover of Bethel, 
in Shenandoah Valley, fall of '64. 

Incorporation of Plantation No. 1 

March .23, A. D. 1812. 

The inhabitants of Plantation No. 1 assembled at a legal meet- 
ing, warned by order of the county treasurer of the county of 
Oxfoi-d, Henry Eust, Esq. Chose John Holland, Esq., moderator; 
Hezekiah Walker, plantation clerk. Chose Amos Knight, James 
Lunt and Wm. Kyle assessors for the present vear. Collection 
of taxes bid off by Adam Knight, at ten cents on tlio dollar At 
a meeting April 6, 1812, for the election of governor, lieutenant 
governor for this commonwealth, and senators for this district, 
Merrill Knight, moderator, there were cast 20 votes. Hezekiah 
Walker continued in the office of plantation and town clerk till 
March 9, 1829, when Stephen Gammon was chosen his successor. 



History of the Town of Peru 11 

Plantation Meetings and Doings 

Mareli iiieetinof, 1813, eliose Amos Knight, modei-ator; Amos 
Kniglit, Adam Knight and Rcnj. Wormell. assessors: Wm. Walkei', 
treasurer; and Adam Knight, collector, at 12 cents v,n the doUar. 
Kaised $500 highway tax. 

Meeting April Ti. 1813, voted 16 cents per hour for man labor, 
and 10 cents for ox labor on highway. A^oted to raise eight dol- 
lars to defray plantation charges. March meeting, 1814, chose 
James H. Withington, moderator. April 1, 1814, governor elec- 
tion. There were cast 2-1 votes for Samuel Dexter, governor; Wm. 
Gray, lieutenant governor; AJhion K. Parris, senator. Chose Amos 
Knight, Wm. Kyle and Isaac Robinson, hogreeves. These were 
very important oflficers when hogs were allowed to run at large. 

Plantation meeting N'ovendjer 7, 1814, to elect a representative 
to Congress. Votes were brought in as follows: For All)ion K. 
Parris, 22 votes; for Samuel A. Bradley, 1. At March 6, 1815, 
chose Edsel Grover, moderator: Adam Knight, Edsel Grover, 
Francis Waite, assessors. Chose James Lunt, treasurer. Meet- 
ing April 3, 1815, chose Francis Lunt, Henry Knight and Geo. 
Walker, hogreeves; Eobinson Turner, Goin Knight, fence viewers. 
December 19, 1815, chose Maj. Wm. Brackett, moderator, the first 
time he appears in public. Voted to divide school money as fol- 
lows: $8 in lower district, $12 in upper, and $12 in Western. 
March 4. 1816, raised $20 for plantation charges, $50 school money 
and $600 highway tax. Voted that swine should not run at large. 
That vote stood long enough to be recorded, then reconsidered. 

Plantation meeting April 1, 1816, James H. Witliington, mod- 
erator. Chose James Lunt, Adam Knight, Edsel Grover, assess- 
ors. For hogreeves a new name appears, Goin Knight, ]\Ioses 
Dennet, Wm. Brackett. Voted districts join and build one school- 
house in the center, and the school wards make the location. 

September 2, 1816, twenty-seven voters favored separation of 
the district of Maine from Massachusetts : none opposed. ]\Ieeting 
of March 3, 1817, a new name appears. Surveyors of highways, 
Wm. Brackett, Eobinson Turner, Sr., Edsel Grover, Wm. jMillet. 
April 7, 1817, new names. Chose Merrill Knight. Jr., Aljial De- 
lano and Perkins Turner, hog constables. This official is given 
a more dignified title. Meeting April 7, 1817. 30 voters cast their 
ballots for Henry Dearborn, governor; Wm. King, liteutenant 
governor; John Moore, senator. jSTew pioneers appear every few 
months. These records are compiled largely to show who the 
early pioneers were and their first appearance on our l)orders. 



12 HiSTOltY OF THE ToWN OF PeHU 

May 5, 1817, choee Daniel Deshon, J. H. Withington and Brady 
Bailey, committee to settle plantation accounts. A'oted that the 
pc-hool districts should not l)e divided. 

Schools and Districts Laid Out 

School districts were tirst laid out in 1813, three in nuiuhcr — the 
first from Jay line (Canton), up the river to Daniel Lunt's. His 
log house stood down on the intervale near the dividing line be- 
tween Mrs. John Ludden's and the Manderville Hall place. Dis- 
trict Xo. 2 extended from Daniel Lunt's to Eumford line; and 
No. 3 extended from Amos Knight's, now 0. V. Hopkins' farm, 
continuing on "Xew County IJoad," and all roads connecting with 
same, over the mountain to Sumner line. They were designated 
as the Lower, Upper and Western districts, the last eml)racing 
Worthly Pond region. Haised that year $50, school money, and 
voted to have a man's school at Merrill Knight's, two months that 
winter and two months the next summer in the Eastern and in 
the Western districts. That provided six months' school for the 
town during the year, at an average cost of teachers, provided they 
got all the money, at $8.33 1-3 per month. 

The next year they raised the same amount of school money 
and chose for school committee, Robinson Turner for the Lower 
district, Ephraim Kyle for Tapper district, and Josiah Smith for 
Western district. The last named man lived in the valley on tlie 
"Xew County Poad,'' Ijeyond what is now Ozroe L. Knight's farm. 

First Schoolhouse 

In 1815, Decend)er li), voted to have one school this winter in 
the plantation, and jiut the money together, also to have the money 
divided, as follows: $8 in the Lower district, $1'? in the Lpper. 
and $12 in Western District. In 181(5 voted and laised $50, school 
money. T^p to this date, all schools have been taught in private 
dwelling houses, and no action taken to obtain a schoolhouse. At 
April meeting of this year the plantation voted to join and build 
one schoolhouse in the center, and chose the school committee to 
decide where the house should be located. The coiinnit^ee that 
year was Adam Knight, h'obinson Turner. Sr., and Wm. 15rack(4t. 
familiarly called Majoi. 

Plantation Officials 

There was an attempt to institute a refo.m. It wa^ voted 
that swine should not run at large, wliich had been the custom 



History of the Town of Peru 13 

from the first settler. The next line of record is : ''Keconsidered 
the vote/"' and voted that hogs should run at large, if they are 
yoked and rung according to law. Rung means a large wire in- 
serted and fastened through the nose. Hogs were professional 
racers. They were long legged, long nosed/ and flat ribhed, and 
were built principally for speed and heavy squealing. To fatten 
one was the zenith of the impossible. To get one in fair condi- 
tion was the work of years. A few decades later it afforded much 
pleasure to produce the biggest hog in town. Five hundred pounds 
to seven hundred pounds was a creditable showing; and now one- 
fourth of the size is the limit. 

Swine running at large called for a set of officials, designated 
hogreeves and hog constables. They v/ere chosen regularly each 
spring election and deemed as important as other officials. April 
1, 1816, voted and chose Goin Knight, Moses Dennet. and Wm. 
Brackett for hogreeves. April 7, 1817, chose Merrill Knight, 
Abial Delano, and Perkins Turner for hog constables. 

Plantation Ko 1 kept up the time-hono^-ed custom of electing 
Tything men. This was continued after to^ni was incorporated. 
At March meeting, 1822, voted and chose Francis Lunt, Simeon 
Brackett and Josiah Curtis, Tything men. I venture the opinion 
that sleepers in church were not disturbed by crook or staff of 
these high officials. At this meeting, David Hoit, James H. With- 
ington, and Geo. Smith were chosen hog constables. Amos Kyle, 
Wm. Walker, Jr., J. H. Jenne, Win. Brock, Stephen Wing, and 
Edsel Grover were chosen school agents. Six school districts. 
Wliole number of votes thrown for Wm. King, governor, in 1820 
was 40. 

At plantation meeting Ma}^ 20, 1816, cast 25 votes for separa- 
tion from Massachusetts. Voted not to have the plantation incor- 
porate. Voted to join school districts. Voted to raise $150 to 
build a schoolhouse. It appears by a vote taken September 20, 
1816, that the above appropriation is not a m_oney tax, but labor 
and material. After choosing Robinson Turner, James Lunt, 
Adam Knight, Hezekiah Walker and Wm. Brackett a committee 
to superintend the building of the schoolhouse, it was voted that 
each inhabitant should turn in his proportion of the tax in ma- 
terials and labor on the schoolhouse, and voted that this tax should 
be paid by the first of December, next. 

At the following March meeting, 1817, voted not to divide 
school districts. Again, at meeting May 5, voted not to divide 
school districts. At a special meeting for the purpose, voted to 



14 History of the Town of Peru 

raise $175, additional sum. The record fails to state just what 
this is for. It is evidently to complete the schoolhouse. 

At meeting of April 6, 1818, called at the house of Merrill 
Knight, voted and raised $60, school money. Voted not to have 
the plantation incorporate, also not to have the school districts 
divided. In the meantime the schoolhouse is progressing slowly, 
so that a town meeting is called September 20, 1817, at the school- 
house, the first time. This was the special meeting when the sum 
of $175 was raised to complete the house. The next plantation 
meeting, March 2, 1818, was called at the house of Merrill Knight, 
when the name of Levi Ludden appears for the first time. Voted 
and chose James H. Withington, moderator; Hezekiah Walker, 
plantation clerk; for assessors, Edsel Grover, J. H. Withington, 
and Hezekiah Walker. Taxes were bid off by Daniel Deshon, at 
5 percent. Chose Benj. Wormell, plantation treasurer and agent. 
Chose for school committee, Edsel Grover, J. H. Withington, and 
Eobinson Turner, Sr. Adjourned the meeting to the 6th day of 
April, held also at house of Merrill Knight, and this was the last 
plantation meeting held there. 

School and Town House 

The first schoolhouse was at the top of the hill, on the Merrill 
Knight farm, on the north side of the "New County Eoad," 
ascending the steep grade from the Eiver road to the house and 
farm of Goin Knight. This house served for schoolhouse and 
townhouse till about 1842, a period of 25 years. Last meeting 
there, September 12, 1842. 

Adam Knight, son of Merrill Knight, was the first man to 
represent Peru in the legislature after the town was incorporated, 
in 1821. He was elected September 8, 1823, having 21 votes, and 
Enoch Jaquis 1 vote. Physically he Avas a strong, robust, ener- 
getic man. 

First Liberty Pole 

Following the achievements of the American military and 
naval forces in the war of 1812 and 1814, the people were very 
patriotic. In those days, before the American flag was common 
and within the reach of all, a Liberty Pole was the emblem of 
patriotism. Now that the first public building in town was erected 
on a commanding eminence, overlooking the broad, fertile plain 
of the majestic Androscoggin, it was befitting that the first Liberty 



History of the Town of Peru 15 

Pole should be erected on the tirst lot cleared and settled in the 
township, beside the first public highway, to commemorate the 
first schoolhouse and townhouse erected in town. With no small 
degree of pride and good cheer, a goodly number of the pioneer 
settlers met at the center of the plantation to celebrate the event. 
A tall, handsome pole was provided, and a deep hole dug in the 
earth nearby the schoolhouse. 

Climbing the Liberty Pole 

It is well known that one important feat of this demonstration 
calls for a man at the top of the pole, forty feet from the ground, 
to stand erect on a platform one foot square, swing hat in air and 
give the emblem of liberty a name. How to climb that smooth 
pole when erected is the conundrum. Now it is decided that this 
feat should first be shown by some one of the first settlers of the 
first farm, and Adam Knight, son of Merrill, Jr., was chosen to 
give the exhibition. Mr. Knight decides the easiest way to the 
top of the pole is to make fast before the pole leaves the ground, 
and thus he was lifted skyward and held till the pole was made 
fast, when he acted well his part of the program. 

Evidently at a later period, Adam Knight, son of Merrill, 8r., 
changed liis residence and occupation from his farm on the hill to 
the water power, or at least a chance to make available the power 
on Speer's stream at Dickvale, now the John C. Wyman mill and 
power. He gained possession and began a sawmill there before 
leaving the hill farm. In the meantime he went on foot from 
home to his work there and returned each day. His route lay 
near the new schoolhouse, fronting James P. York's, thence toward 
Black Mountain to the meadow leading from foot of Old Dick to 
Dickvale. This route was then a wilderness. 

Bear Hug 

Mr. Knight was accustomed to take his gun with him during 
his travel. One morning during his trip to his mill, he had 
reached this meadow or bog, then a forest, and chanced to see a 
bear's cub. It would seem he did not stop to consider what the 
result might be but shot the cul) at once. Very soon the cries of 
the cub brought an old white-faced bear. She gave battle before 
Mr. Knight could reload his gun, obtain a club or climb a tree. 
Xow came a tug of war. The bear strove to hug her man, and tlie 
man rammed the bear with gun barrel and the battle continued 



l(j HisTOKY OF TiiK Town of Peru 

till "Sirs. Bear yielded her lH'e and that prim was well stove 
to pi(>ces. He also trapped in cornfield on the Farrar farm 
eleven bears. Who shall say his war record was not worthy of a 
seat in the Legislature? Adam 1\ night was a prominent man in 
all the otfiees of plantation and town and was almost constantly 
tilling som(> one office and often several fif them the same year. 
He raised \w a very likely family of children. Two sons, Merrill 
Knight, 'vnd. and Xathaniel Knight, were of the leading towns- 
H'.cn in thcii' day. A yonnger son; Daniel, went west soon after 
coming u])i!n the stage of action and died about a year after in • 
Oregon. Adam Knight and wife, Betsey Chase, d at Dickvale. 
She d June ■^?. 1847, ae 53 yrs. He d A])y. 18, 1853, ae 61 yrs. 

The New County Road 

The first pulilic road evidently in Township No. 1 was made 
years before the incorporation of Plantation No. 1. This road 
was to o])en a new line of travel from Dixfield and vicinity 
through the townshi]) to Sumner and to Paris Court House. It 
seemed the intent of the early settlers to seek the hills, however 
large or steep, and shun the valleys. This road is alluded to in 
the early plantation records and known as the '"'new county road." 
It began at the ferryway of Merrill Knight on the west bank of 
the river, thence westerly across his intervale to and past his build- 
ings, ci-ossing the river road as now traveled at right angles, 
thence up the big hill known as "Town House Hill" to Goin 
Knight farm and to Leonard Knight farm, Amos Kniglit farm, 
Francis Waite farm, thence bearing southeast to Harry Knight 
place, now Usroe L. Knight farm, to Josiali Smith and John 
Ilodgdon farms closely nestled in the l;asin at tlie foot of moun- 
tain range surrounding east, south and v.-est, thence up and over the 
Uiountain notc]i, a vast tiact of ledge and rocks laid l)are almost 
by falling rain and melting snow; thenc;' (>n down the gentle 
slope to valley of Worthly pond. 

Among the first settlers on this side cW' the mountain on line of 
the -'new county road" were liobert Tilson and family. There is 
no lecord of this family except a head stone at the grave in the 
old yard at Ivi-r Peru which reads, "Hannah, the wife of Josiah 
Tilson, father of Pobeit, sen.', d Oct. 18, 1837, ae (U) yrs." We 
no.xt mention tlie residence of John Moore. He is remembered 
as making hasketg. His name appears on record of town meeting 
May 3d, 1830. when iie and Wm. Kvle were chosen surveyors of 






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History of the Towx of Peru 17 

highways. He was the father of Xahum Moore the popular con- 
ductor of P. & R. F. Ey. a term of years. It was here son Xahum 
was bom. 

Fairfield Moore, brother of John, was a resident and m Xaney 
Campbelle July 12, 1827. 

Their sister, Xancy Moore, m Valentine Mathews, a soldier of 
1812 war, settled in Franklin on Chas. L. Mathew farm (now 
Peru) in 1826 when their son Winthrop was three yrs old. 

Early Settlers in Worthly Pond Region 

A fine productive farm in this region was that of Asa Bonney 
who came from Sumner. He lived here in 1827. Dea. Freeman 
Irish owned and occupied the j)remises in the early forties or 
earlier. It was then a fine residence, a good set of buildings and 
the premises were in flourishing condition. 

Asa Bonney sold to Benj. Stevens and moved up the hill where 
his girls built a log house ; from there he removed to a lot of land 
beyond the Xathan Harlow farm above Eiple3''s continuing there 
through life. His son, Cyrus, and family, occupied the farm a 
term of years. John Poland built a frame house above the Bonney 
log house mentioned. Eussell Ellis lived on what is now the James 
Irish farm east side of Worthly pond. 

Another residence of an early pioneer settler was that of Thad- 
deus Oldham, sen., who came from Sumner Xovember, 1827, and 
located on the "new county road" on side hill. Eoad extended 
along hill range to Sumner and Eumford. His house, as also the 
first and second residences mentioned this side of tlie mountain, 
was made of logs. Here his sons, Benj. F., John and Hosea B., 
were born. 

Expensive Road over the Mountains 

To build and maintain this road, particularly the mountain divi- 
sion, was a gigantic undertaking. It proved very expensive and a 
source of much complaint. It took a vast amount of labor each 
year to make the road passable. Eecords show Mar. 2, 1818: 
Plantation raised $750 highway tax and $400 of the sum was 
appropriated to this road. 

Apr. 5, 1819, raised for this road alone $500, highway. Just ten 
years later the condition of this road led the court C. P. to assess 
a fine of $300 cash to satisfy an indictment on the "new county 
road" and Sept. 9, 1833, town voted $100 cash for repairs on this 



18 History of tiii-: Town of Peru 

road to clear a Hoeoiul indictment. The writer rode over this 
road with liis father's horse and wagou in 1840 or -il. The public 
travel changed about that period. A new road was opened on 
the west side of Worthly pond, making connection with the river 
road and the road through green woods to Sumner and Paris. 
Then the travel over the mountain ceased. The first record of 
road on plantation records is dated April 5, 1813, and reads: 
"Voted to lay out a road from the two mile tree on the county road, 
westerly Ijy Brady Bailey's and Mr. Grover's" The residence of 
the fonner is now the town farm and the old Bailey house. Brady, 
sen., had two sons, Samuel L. and Brady, jr. The latter continued 
on the farm many years after the death of the parent. Samuel 
settled on the home lot erecting buildings near by, going east on 
the proposed to-wn road; continuing thence down the slope toward 
the two mile tree above mentioned. The next resident was Daniel 
Delano who played the fife at the oldtime trainings with rare 
skill. The next farm residence before reaching the "new county 
road"' was that of Sumner E. Newell a noted "schoolmaster" and 
a prominent town official many years. Going vt^est from the Brady 
Bailey farm, the new town road probably continued to the Joshua 
Knox place, as now traveled, and to Jolm Delano's above the Bray, 
formerly Still man Wyman, residence. This section was designated 
"High street" at Elmer Knox place along the line where Mr. Jed- 
diah Grover was a pioneer settler. Meeting of March 6, 1815, 
Adam Knight, Edsel Grover and Francis Waite were chosen 
assessors. 

Edsel was the son of Jedediah and Elizabeth Grover. They had 
two girls, Euth and Betsey. This family continued in town at 
date of incorporation, 1821. May 13, 1831, Edsel Grover m 
Mary Walker, b June 26, 1800, daughter of Wm. Walker, sen. 
They had a son Peter Smith Grover. This family moved probably 
around '40, date unknown, to Carthage, Me., where wife d Sept. 5, 
1842. 

Plantation meeting of Dec. 11, 1813, voted to lay out a road 
from James Lunt's through by Worthly pond and by Wm. Millet's 
to Hartford Line. This road intersected the river road quite near 
the Lunt house on south side, thence across Lunt pasture to Wm. 
Kyle house, standing then about twenty rods north of Henry 
Chase's house, thence down to road as now traveled to Worthly 
pond. The Chase buildings were built years afterwards by Moses 
True, who married a daughter of Amos Kyle, a brother to William. 
The description implies that Wm. Millet lived beyond the pond in 



History of titk Town of Peru 19 

the direction of Hartford. Hills were the first places settled in 
those days. The course leads np and over the range of hills of 
which Gowell hill was a part. 

Here he resided. William Millet and wife, Betsey; Chil., 
Leonard, b Mar. 2, 1810; Israel, b Oct. 4, 1813; Wm., jr., b Aug. 
1, 1817; Betse)^ b Sept. 10, 1819. All in town in 1821. In pass- 
ing the foot of Worthly pond, the course of road mentioned crosses 
its outlet, and further down the stream a water power was estab- 
lished a few years after the road was completed. This was the 
first saAnnill known in this part of the town. It was some distance 
below Eipley's and was erected by Elisha Thomas. To obtain a 
sufficient volume of water from main pond to supply the pond and 
mill below, it became necessary to excavate a deep channel from 
the large pond to the dam at the mill. The question arose. What 
was the quickest and cheapest way to remove the earth? The fall 
was not enough for the natural current to carry away the earth. 
It is told that Mr. Thomas was resourceful for the occasion, and 
it was household gossip for years, how he washed out that channel 
with new rum and molasses. He made a bee and the fluid did 
the work. Subsequently the water power at outlet was fully util- 
ized by Maj. Wm. K. Eipley. 

The Second on Gowell Hill 

The second on Gowell hill was a Mr. Sanders, who sold to 
Hezekiah Gowell and Jonathan Haskell. Mr. Haskell afterward 
located on the road from East Peru village to Albert S. Holman's 
farm. He was there in the early forties. It was the Thomas 
Frashier farm here in 1828. Mr. Gowell's residence on the hill 
a term of years gave it a name. He was an expert in wielding the 
goad and usually kept a well matched pair of oxen. Other resi- 
dents were John Poland, who removed to Eumford, and Henry E. 
Young, from Hartford. Dovm the hill was James Tylor, between 
the Young place and Sylvanus Poland's, now the Albert M. John- 
son place. Tylor was followed by Joseph Sampson, and he by 
Ezekiel Poland at his first marriage. 

Town meeting, April 16, 1831. "Voted, that Wm. Millet and 
those on the west side of pond should be set off into a school dis- 
trict, and Wm. Millet was chosen school ward." In 1844 a road 
was built from Henry E. Young's, by head of Worthly pond to 
County road. Hezekiah Gowell, b Sept. 21, 1804, d May 20, 1883 ; 
and wife, Agnes, b Jan. 1, 1803, d Jan. 12, 1876. They sleep at 
E. Peru Cem. Children known, John F. and Albert L. Gowell. 



20 HrsTORY or the Town of Peeu 

Incorporation of Town of Peru 

State of Maine. In the year of our Lord one thousand eight 
hundred and twenty-one. 

An act to estal)lish the town of Peru in the County of Oxford. 

Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives in Legislature assembled: That the plantation hereto- 
fore called No. 1, in the County of Oxford, as contained within 
the following described bounds, be and hereby is, with the inhabi- 
tants thereon, established as a town by the name of Peru, and 
bounded as follows, to wit: Westly by the town of Rumford and 
Plantation No. 2; south by the town of Sumner; east by the town 
of Hartford and Jay (now Canton), and north by Androscoggin 
river. And the said to^^Ti of Peru is hereby vested with all the 
corporate powers and privileges, and shall be subject to all the 
duties and requisitions of other coqoorate towns, according to the 
constitution and laws of the state. 

Be it further enacted that Stephen Barnard, Esq., of Mexico, 
in said county, upon application therefor, is hereby empowered to 
issue a warrant directed to a freehold inhabitant of said town of 
Peru, requiring him to notify and warn the inhabitants of said 
town to meet at such convenient time and place as shall be appoint- 
ed in said warrant for the choice of such officers as towns are by 
law empowered and required to choose at their annual town 
meetings. 

In the House of Representatives, Jan 30, 1831. This bill hav- 
ing had three several readings, passed to be enacted. 

Benjamin Ames, Speaker. 

In Senate, Jan. 31, 1821. This bill having had two several 
readings, passed to be enacted. 

William D. Williamson, President. 
Feb. 5, 1821: Approved. William King. 

Secretary of State's Office, Feb. 10, 1821, Portland. 
A true copy. Attest: Ashur Ware, Sec'y of State. 
Seal. 

Oxford, ss. 

To Wm. Brackett, one of the freehold inhabitants of the town of 
Peru, in said county: 

In the name of the State of Maine you are hereby required to 
notify and warn the freeholders and other inhabitants of said town 
of Peru, qualified by law to vote in town affairs, to assemble at the 



History of the Town of Peru 31 

schoolhoiise near Merrill Knight's, in said Peru, on Wednesday, the 
fourth day of April, next, at one o'clock P. M., to act on the fol- 
lowing articles, to wit : 1st, to choose a moderator to govern said 
meeting; 2nd, to choose a town clerk; 3rd, to choose selectmen; 
4th, to choose assessors ; 5th, to choose town treasurer and all other 
officers that towns are authorized to choose in the months of March 
or April, annually. 

Given under my hand and seal at Mexico this 26th day of 
March, 1821. Stephen Barnard, Justice of the Peace. 

Oxford, ss. Peru, March 28, 1821. 

Pursuant to the within warrant, I have notified the within 
named inhabitants to meet at the time and place, and for the pur- 
pose within named, as the law directs. 

William Brackett, Constable. 

Peru, April 4, 1821. 

The inhabitants of said town that were qualified by law to vote 
in town meetings, assembled at the schoolhouse in said to^ttTi, by 
order of Stephen Barnard, Esq., in conformity to an act of the 
legislature of this state, and the meeting being opened according 
to the directions of the warrant, proceeded as follows, to wit: 

Art. 1st. Chose Amos Knight, moderator. 

Art. 2ud. Chose Hezekiah Walker, town clerk. 

Arts. 3rd and 4th. Chose James Lunt, Josiah Curtis, Amos 
Knight, selectmen and assessors. 

Art. 5th. Chose Wm. Walker, Jr., town treasurer. 

Arts. 6th and 7th. Chose Wm. Brackett, collector and con- 
stable. 

Art. 8th. Chose Xathan Walker, Josiah Curtis, Oliver Hop- 
kins, Amos Knight, Wm. Kyle and Hezekiah Walker, highway 
surveyors. 

Art. 9th. Chose Hezekiah Walker, James H. AVithington, sur- 
veyors of lumber. 

Art. lOth. Chose Eobinson Turner, Wm. Brackett, Adam 
Knight, Josiah Curtis, fence viewers. 

Art. 11th. Chose Xathan AValker, John Hodgdon, Eobinson 
Turner, Wm. Brackett, Adam Knight, Josiah Curtis and Levi 
Ludden, hog constables. 

Art. 12.th. Chose George Walker, J. H. Withington, Abial 
Delano, tything men. 



23 History of the Town of Peru 

At plantation meeting in November, 1820, there were cast 40 
votes for Wm. King, the first governor in ]\Iaine. On May 20, 
1816, 25 votes were cast for separation from Massachusetts, and 
again in September of same year 27 votes were cast for same. 

Present Bounds of Peru 

Tlic bounds of Peru remained unchanged until Feb. 21, 1895, 
when that part west of a line drawn along the southeasterly lines 
of lots Nos. 29, 28, 27, 26 and 25, from iVndroscoggin river, were 
sold to Rnmford for $2000; and about that period the northerly 
portion of Franklin plantation was annexed to Rumford, and the 
remainder annexed to Peru. The said portions of Franklin were 
incorporated by the legislature as annex to the said towns. The 
addition to Peru embraces the Johnson's Mill region (so-called), 
to tlie Valentine Mathews farm, near Pumford line. Franklin 
plantation was composed of Buxton, Milton Academy and Bartlett 
grants, and was about five miles long and half as wide. The first 
clearing was made in 1816 and the first settlement in 1820. Gen- 
eral settlement was made about ten yeare later, and the plantation 
organized in 1841. Tlie population in 1870 was 178, and in 1880 
was 159. 

View from Town House 

The location on To\\'p.house hill where stood the first school- 
house, commands a magnificent and extensive view of the valley 
of the Androscoggin and the surrounding landscape. On the west, 
nearby, is a high bluif, "Morrill Ledge," extending northward to 
the plain that is about fifty rods wide from foot of mountain to 
the river. Its height hides the sun from view at the Walker home- 
stead farmhouse, in tlie valley, at 3.30 P. M., tlie longest days of 
the year. The top of this bluff commands a good view of Dixfield 
vill.. West Peru vill. and the valley, to Pumford Falls, seven miles, 
its towering chimneys belching forth clouds of smoke. Extending 
westward from the river, at West Peru, is a chain of high hills that 
tower above the last named village and the valley of Speer's stream 
to Dickvalc and Speckled mountain. This hill range was first 
cleared and peopled liy the early pioneers. They built log cabins 
and transformed rugged hills, rocks and stumps into fertile and 
productive farms, good plow land covering tlie liigh ridijes. There 
were neighborhoods and school districts with schoolhouses where 
no dwelling is found in the twentieth century. The following are 
a part of the heads of families at one time here: 



HlSTOllY OF THE ToWN OF PeRU 23 

^eth Burgess, Samuel Burgess, Paul Hammon, Jr., Dea. De- 
mus Bishop, Oliver B. Cauwell, ^"athaniel Swift, 'Squire Bishop, 
Oliver Hopkins, David Atkins, Ebenezer Besse, Trueworthy Thurs- 
ton, Mr. Fernald, Amos Kyle, Calvin Hopkins, Benjamin Lovejoy, 
Elijah Burgess, Luther Austin, Eollins Lovejoy, and many others. 

Early Settlers 

Oliver Hopkins cleared and settled on the Xathan Bishop place 
in 1809, near upper cem. and north of vill. of Dickvale. Dea. 
Demus Bishop, when 20 years old, in 1821, came from Wayne to 
Lovejoy hill, where Lucius Lovejoy resides, felled the trees, and 
built a log house. He returned to Wayne, was married and began 
housekeeping in their new home. The regular traveled road was 
then over Burgess hill, intersecting the Eiver road, same as now, 
wliere Lewis Dunn lives, known as the Thomas Burgess place, and 
a part of the original township. When Mrs. Bishop made her first 
visit (date unknown) to Wayne, slie traveled the more direct course, 
through West Peru to Eiver road by a line of spotted trees. In 
1830 there was a road from AVm. W. Gordon's place, along the hill- 
side, towards West Peru vill., as far as the Joel Hall place, brick 
house. Dea. Bishop liad changed his residence to a log house on 
this road, and during that year he built a frame house, where the 
buildings, a brick house, of Hannah Bishop are located. He con- 
tinued liere through life. The present road from Wni. Woodsum's, 
now Office Eowe farm, to Adam Knight's mill was laid out April 
13, 1832, and accepted April 1, 1833. This is now the John C. 
W^yman sawmill at Dickvale. 

Opposite Morrill Ledge, across the river, is Marbh^ Bluff, steep 
and rugged, with summit 300 feet above the plain, bordering on 
the river and barely wide enough for a carriage road l^etween river 
and Ijase of mountain. Tliere may have been a huge dam here, 
in Valley Drift period, that formed a lake, flooding the valley of 
Webb's river on the east, and valley of Speer's stream on the west. 
The dam evidently raised the bed of the river and the plain on the 
west, connecting both mountains furtlier up their fronting sides. 
From Marble Bluff, northeast, is seen a chain of mountains to 
Carthage and East Dixfield. The view from old school house com- 
mands a broad valley of varied landscape. 

Eising easterly is an elevated landscape that hides Dixfield 
Center, peopled early by Holman families, conveying the name of 
"Holmantown" to the plantation. This was the hub of t\ye com- 
mimity for half a century. Continuing our vision southeasterly. 



24 HiSTOEY OF THE TOAVN OF PeRD 

Kidder moimtain, Burnt hill and lesser hills reach to the valley, 
three miles down the river. Canton mountain is seen further 
down. The valley is dotted with elegant farm buildings and 
broad acres of fertile tillage on both sides of the river. 



Head Waters of Steam Boat Navigation 

Half a mile down the river is Moore's rips and head-waters of 
steamboat na\'igation. In the summer of 1853 a boat was built 
at Mexico Corner to run to Canton Point and make connection 
with the railroad at Canton. In October the boat was floated 
down the river to destination and there the engine and machinery 
were put in and made ready for trial trip. About the middle of 
October, on Saturday, with several passengers on board, the boat 
proceeded up the river to Lunt's upper island in the channel, on 
Dixfield shore, where boat grounded, and, being unable to get 
afloat, she remained there over night. A heavy rain raised the 
waters, so Sunday morning the boat went to Moore's rock, nearby, 
at the rips above mentioned. This was a very large boulder (since 
reduced), causing a broad edd}-, and here the boat rested while the 
pilot consulted his chart. The problem that confronted the pilot 
at this point was, can the boat stem the rapid current in middle of 
river ? It is flie severest test of any place on the route. This boat 
is propelled by side wheels. To favor the boat the keel should be 
kept parallel with tlie swift current. To attain that position, boat 
must back water and swing in line further down, instead of going 
at right angle to current from lee of rock to swift current. It was 
perfectly natural that the swift current struck brow of boat on 
starboard side and forced it down stream, in spite of tiller to 
resist; but quicker than pen can describe, tiller and wheel were 
broken and the boat was lost control of. The shore upon either 
side was thronged with people, who witnessed the scene. Thomas 
Reynolds, Dr. Swasey, Cyrus Wormell, Esq., and Daniel EejTiolds 
are remembered among the passengers on the boat. The name of 
boat was printed on either side, above the wheel, and rightly named 
''Surprise." Doubtless the proprietor of this enterprise intended 
to surprise the public; as it ended, he must have been most sur- 
prised at the failure. The boat floated back to Canton, was tied 
to bank and the engine used to drive a sawmill. That ended navi- 
gation on this line. The credit of this enterprise is due to Mr. 
Hiram Ricker, the father of the Poland Spring Pickers. If the 
boat had been guided from head of island, up the center of swift 



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History of the Town of Peru 25 

current, past the big boulder on the right, it would have tested the 
strength of boat to best advantage, and probably pulled through. 

Stores and Traders at Peru Center 

The first man known in trade at Peru Cent, was George W. 
Lunt, in 1819. It is not known when he began. The first Lunts 
came around 1800. Geo. W. was of age in March, 1815. He 
may have begun soon after. Xext was Stephen Gammon, 1825- 
1830, located just above the house of Henry E. Eobinson, at Peru 
Cent. Mr. Gammon first located here, built a house, barn and 
store, on about 30 acres of laud. He was the leading trader in 
this part of the town. Goods came from Portland to Hallowell by 
boat, and hauled by ox team, two trips a week; freight, 50 cents 
per 100 pounds. One line of his deal was shaved pine shingles, 
bought for $2 per M., paid "^5 cents freight to Hallowell, and sold 
for $3. He was town treasurer at one time, and taxpayers were 
permitted to bring in grain in payment of their taxes, the price 
to be named by the selectmen, payment by Feb. 1. The next in 
this line was an Englishman, a new comer by the name of Cocka- 
roff, in a small shop just below the mill stream, as late as 1835. 
One article of trade was Xew England rum and molasses. 

Another trader in the early thirties was Samuel L. Bailey, on 
his home farm. Though a successful farmer and drover, the 
credit system beat him and he quit. Daniel Deshon had a small 
stock of goods at East Peru, about 1846 to 1850, furnished by his 
son, John M., a merchant at Canton vill. many years. This was 
subsequent to tending his gristmill there. 

First Store at West Peru 

The first store at West Peru was that of Gideon Xorris, located 
on the lot occupied by the Samuel F. Eobinson dwelling house. 
He was in trade a large portion of the thirties. In ISiO the store 
had passed to Timothy Ludden. He built tlie John Putnam dwell- 
ing house and sold house and store to L}Tiian Bolster. The latter 
built the brick store that is now the Grange building. He was in 
trade from around 1842 to 1866, when he moved to Bryant Pond. 

The next on the list al)out the same period of Bolster was 
Alvah Small. He built a new store. His account book, 1840, 
shows trade generally was a barter deal on credit. Credit entries 
of farm products include ashes, which trader converted into potash 
and shipped to Portland. After Bolster, came Alpheus C. Small, 



26 History of the Town of Peru 

in tlie brick store, where lie was trader and postmaster, in charge 
for a term of years, till his death. 

^Ym. Woodsum, Jr., began trade in the Alvah Small store 
around the middle fifties, and continued not far from thirty years. 
The next to occupy the brick store was Edwin Babb, agent for 
Eockemeka Grange, No. 109. Prior to 1893 the Grange store 
occupied the Fred Barstow shoe shop. 

The Woodsum store passed to Benj. L. Eowe, formerly a l)lack- 
smith at this village several years. He had a good trade in the old 
store till he built the large edifice comprising store and tenement 
now occupied by Joseph Putnam, trader and postmaster. Beuj. 
L. Eowe continued in trade in new store about two years, and was 
followed by his brother, Geo. L. Both were well patronized. The 
next in trade here was Henry F. Floyd, who kept a snuxll stock of 
goods and did a safe deal, sharing the confidence and good will of 
the people, while he maintained the post of honor. The most 
successful of Peru's sons in commercial deal in town is Wm. Snow 
Walker. He began around 1861, with scarcely a dollar, to make 
tinware in the old Greene store at center of town, having bar- 
gained for the premises. He sold a year or two later to Elisha 
S. Wyman and settled at Wc?t vill., wliore lie kept a country store 
forty years, till near close of 1903, when he sold store and goods 
for about seven and a half thousand dollars, cash down. He had 
accumulated at least twenty thousand dollars worth of property, 
and best of judges estimated him thirty thousand. Another of 
Peru's sons, a generation earlier, John M. Deshon, at Canton, ac- 
cumulated in trade and usuiy fifty thousand dollars. 

A New Store at West Peru 

John A. Putnam opened a new store at West Peru 1904-5, and 
sold about two years after to luigone Staples from Carthage. He 
was in trade till store and goods burned. Mr. Putnam opened a 
new store, 1909-10. Geo. W. Coding & Son, successors to W. S. 
Walker, carry a large stock of goods. The first store at Dickvale 
was built and run by Grin Tracy, 1856-7. He was living in 1904 
near Oxford vill. John C. Wyman, Jr., kept a small stock of 
goods on sale in connection witli the postoffice, in the eighties and 
nineties, at Dickvale. Eeturning to Peru Cent., Jonas Greene 
bought the Joseph Eicker stand in 1849 and erected what is noAv 
the Kidder Bros.' store. He was in trade till early sixties, and 
held tl)e office of postmaster. He had a good trade and gained 
property. For nearly thiity years, up to about 1890, the Greene 



History of the Towx of Peru !<J7 

store was owned and run l)y Elisha S. "\Yyman. He had an exten- 
sive trade and was postmaster till about 1888. Greenleaf Hods- 
don came from Byron in 1S89 and kept a small stock of goods in 
the Levi Lunt house, about a year. He next built the Wilma Kid- 
der house at the Cent, and bought the Wyman store. He kept a 
general country store till 1898, and sold store and goods to Barrett 
and Kidder. 

Wm. H. Bent built the set of buildings on the east side of 
road, above the Kidder store, where he was in trade a short time 
around the middle seventies. He was made postmaster in 1891 
and kept office in store-room till mail came on cars, and since at 
his house. Hamlin Ireland opened a store at East Peru about 
1900, built up quite a trade in gi^oceries, and was given the postof- 
fice. which had been kept in private houses several years. After 
two years he sold to Chas. X. Luce, who built a new store that is an 
ornament to the place. 

The First Mills in Town 

Plantation at March meeting, 1813, voted to lay out a road 
from Lunt's Mill to George Walker's. This mill at the center of 
the town was first built by James Lunt, probably a year or two 
before this date. It consisted of an up and down saw for long 
lumber, driven by an undershot wheel, with a separate nigger 
wheel to propel the carriage bearing the log. Its capacity was 
about a thousand feet per day, if well tended. At tbe lower end 
of the mill, in the basement, was a room containing a set of granite 
millstones for coarse grinding. There was a drop floor with stairs 
from first floor, where the meal trough held the meal till slioveled 
into bag. This mill was subsequently sold to Henry Wragg, an 
emigrant from England. He was in possession and living on south 
bank of mill stream in spring of 1839. Prior to this lie was a 
farmer and successor to Merrill Knight, Jr., on his fathers farm. 
He built the main house now standing on the first farm cleared 
in town: and he sold the farm to Xathaniel Jackson; also tlie mill 
property to another Englishman, Edward Johnson who, with an- 
other man by the name of Cockaroff, was the principal delegation 
from England, preceding Philip Andrews, as settlers in Peru. 

Cockaroif had left town, and doubtless returned to his native 
land, as did Edward Johnson, a single inan, in spring of 18-10. In 
April lie sold tbe mill property and land to Pobin.son Turner, Jr., 
and started at once for England. When there, in 1845, the last 
nansed person learned of the safe return of Johnson. Johnson was 



og HisToiiY OF Till-: To^vN of Peeu 

subject to deranged mind. One day he was sitting on the forge 
of Joseph Kicker's blacksniitli shop, watching the fire as the bel- 
lows forced the sparks up, when he threw a five dollar gold piece, 
an English sovereign, into the flame. Mr. Eicker caught a glimpse 
of the shining metal before it reached the fire. He raked the coals 
and ashes over to find the coin, or some part, while Jolmson 
seemed to delight watcliing every movement, expecting every mo- 
ment to see his coin again. I need not say no trace could be found. 

First Burr Stones in the County 

In summer and fall of 1844, Eobinson Turner, Jr., built a new 
ffristmill on the site of the old mill and introduced the first burr 
stones brought 'into Oxford County. They were manufactured by 
convicts at Charlestown, Mass., prison, the stone brought from 
France, and the pieces for the wheat mill and those for coarse 
grinding selected separately by Turner at the prison, as likewise 
those for the center around the eye and those at the outer edge. 
As quarried, this stone varies much in texture. It is porous, from 
coarse to fine. The pieces are fitted like patch work, and held 
together by cement, and the top covered several inches with plaster 
paris and held by iron bands. 

Successive Owners of Mill 

The Eev. Leonard Xorcross of Dixfield superintended the con- 
struction of gear and machinery. The wheat mill was fitted witli 
a fine silk bolt. "Wheat was grown extensively in those days, and 
the mill commanded a large run of custom from all the surround- 
ing towns. It did a thriving business for twenty years. The mill 
passed to Mr. Silver of Eumford, wdiose daughter, Addie E., was 
the wife of John V. Young, then manufacturing boots and shoes 
at this place. The mill was in charge of Goodwin Benson one or 
two years, and next passed to Gustavus Hayford of Canton. In 
the fall freshet of 1869, a portion of the underwork, including the 
wheat bolt on the drop floor of the mill, was carried with the flood 
down stream. Tliis was due to slabs from the sawiuill then erected 
by Hayford. That ended grinding wheat. The mill w^as in charge 
of George 0. and Octavius Hayford, sons of Gustavus, a few years 
before it passed to Alonzo Poniroy of Sumner, in 1879 or 1880. 
He held and managed the mill about eight years, and sold mill, 
house and lot to Amos A. Babb. He held the mill property about 
two years, but did not occupy tlie premises or operate the mill 






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History of the Towx of Peru 29 

much. Rev. Mr. Ventres and sons ran the sawmill a few weeks to 
accommodate a few customers. He could do most any kind of 
work well. He was a good brick mason, and was not above work; 
was always busy out of tlie pulpit. He contributed much labor 
in painting and reshingling the old meeting-house during his pas- 
torate here with the Baptist church, three years or more. The 
mill property passed from Babb to Howard Turner, the present 
owner. 



The First Grist Mill at West Peru 

The first gristmill at West Peni was located, in 1823, where 
the Austin sawmill was burned in spring of 190.5. It was known 
as the Curtis mill. Josiah Curtis was a member of the l>oard of 
selectmen in 1821 and 1832, and believed to be the owner or occu- 
pant of the mill. The first owner of this and the adjoining water 
power, revealed, was one Mary Oilman of Lexington, Ky. Her 
executor, John Peck, conveyed by deed of warranty, Aug. 28, 1833, 
to Stephen Putnam of Peru the Curtis mill and the land and 
water power of tlie Arnold mill. It is knowTi that this mill at 
that date was getting past service. It was taken down and the 
mill site sold by Putnam to Wm. S. Ludden, who erected the first 
sa^^nill at this part of the to\vn. It is claimed that Timothy 
Ludden built the second gristmill, now the Arnold mill, on the 
Putnam mill site, further do^vn the stream. Evidently this mill 
was owned in partnership. Putnam, at date of death, in 1844, 
owned one undivided half of this gristmill, and liis widow, Beulah 
Putnam, and her heir, Levi Bandall, deeded, May 27, 1846, said 
half of mill and lot to Robinson Turner of Peru for seven hundred 
dollars. He sold in about a year to David F. Brown of Peru. 

The next owner of Putnam's gristmill kno\ra to writer was 
Alpheus C. Small. It passed to Phanuel T\niite. and next to Ira 
J. Parlin of Weld, who came to this village in Septeml>er, 1867. 
His successor was Joseph A. Arnold, whose sous are the present 
owners, under the firm of Arnold Bros., dealers in feed and flour. 
For saMonill continued here, see life of John E. Jenne, of Joseph 
E. Jenne familv. 



Columbia 

One hundred and thirty-four years ago there sprang into being 
a new nation, such as never had been since the world be^-an; a 



30 History o:^ the Town of Peru 

nation in whose destiny were wrapped the interests of Liberty 
and Civilization to the end of time. Cohimbia, the asylum for the 
oppressed, the land of the free. 

Columbia ! 'tis a glorious land ; 

Our oAVTi beloved native clime; 

By Freedom's eagle wings 'tis fanned, 

Her banner o'er it floats sublime. 

Her snow-cro-wned mountains rising high, 
E'er to her star-gemmed azure dome, 
Her vales and plains, where'er they lie. 
We love them well, for 'tis our home. 

Her breezes may not bear the bloom, 
Of Italy's bright sunny land — 
Or laden with the rich perfume. 
Of far Arabia's burning strand. 

But 0, our country; all the more, 
We love thee for thy northern skies; 
We love thy free surf -beaten shore — 
Above all others, thee we prize. 

Our native land, to thee we turn. 
From all the Eastern pomp and pride ; 
With love our patriot bosoms burn — 
Thou'rt dearer than all else beside; 

Far dearer to us, freemen bom. 
Than e'er the spicy Eastern strand, 
Though of thy glories thou wast shorn. 
We'd bless thee still; our native land. 

To what great cause or influence do we owe our National ex- 
istence, and just when and where in the annals of time, did that 
influence begin, which culminated in the birth of our glorious 
Kepublic? Was it religious intolerance, or political oppression? 
either or both that gave rise to our government? yea prompted 
the most liberal, patriotic, philanthropic spirit of its founders, 
while enacting an unheard-of compact, the Declaration of 
Independence, that endowed its authors with wisdom, while they 
embodied a Heaven bom principle. 

"All men are created equal." 

Was it instigated by the hand of cruel oppression, that drove 
from their homes a little band of Puritans, who were accustomed 



HlSTOPiY OF THE TOWX OF PeRU 31 

to meet for religious worship with their pastor, one John Eobi-u- 
son at the residence of William Brewster in Scrooby, England, 
compelling them to seek refuge in Holland, and for what? 
Simply because these people did not believe it was right to worship 
God in the manner required by the laws of the country, or Church 
of England. They professed to follow the pure word of God, in 
opposition to the many traditions and ceremonies then prevailing. 
"We little realize the hardships and presecutions they bore. 

Again we ask. Shall we say, that to their Christian character, 
and invincible will; their independence of thought and action; 
we are indebted largely for the freedom of our institutions, the 
light of civilization and refinement? yea, the formation, and 
perpetuation of the most generous and humane government and 
the best government on earth? 

"We know that America owes her greatness to the sterling 
worth of those intrepid Puritan pioneers, who were the best gift 
of the old world to the new. 

It it well known that this little band lived together in peace 
and love and holiness at Amsterdam, Holland, about twelve years, 
that they then decided to plant a colony in America; that a por- 
tion of them, forty-one men with women and children, after many 
delays and rebuffs and after a boisterous voyage of more than 
three months, finally reached PljTuouth, Massachusetts, in the 
Mayflower, 1620. "Would it not be a satisfaction to know 
who of their descendants are living today and their history. * 

'TV.'is a tax of three pence per pound on tea, says one, that 
induced the colonists to secede from England, in as much as Eng- 
land would not allow them representation in Parliament. 

This leads us to ask whose teaching and influence gave char- 
acter to tlie redoubtable James Otis of Massachusetts, that bril- 
liant, bold and defiant orator, the creator of the theory of inde- 
pendence, and one of the leading spirits who incited the colonists 
to united action in seeking a redress of their wrongs, and to con- 
tend for their rights. "We claim this tlieory was the result largely 
of the religious teaching of Pilgrim Fathers. 

Eeligious motives influenced the first settlers of all the Xew 
England colonies. Church and ciWl matters were united, and 
church members only in two of the colonies were peraiitted to 
vote and hold office. 



See names of 103 passengers of Mayflower at close of book. 



33 History of the Town of Peru 

There was a law at one time requiring people to attend 
cliureh on Sunday so often or pay a fine. It has been said that 
history repeats itself. How would it work to have such a law now ? 

In 1648 persons were fined one shilling for violating Fast Day 
in shooting a rabbit. People's tastes, like fashions, change. Then 
the law protected the day — now the day, both vSunday and Fast 
Day, is left, to protect or take care of itself, while the law seeks 
to protect the rabbit or in its stead a partridge, or a fish. 

In 1730 at Baltimore a duty of from five to twenty shillings 
was laid upon all bachelors. I suppose the duty varied with the 
size. It is said the result was, old maids were not to be met with 
neither jealousy of husbands. Better have that law again. 

I will tell a short story. A young clergyman having agreed 
to supply the pulpit of an older brother absent from home, 
escorted to church the daughter of the pastor, and after seeing her 
safely in her father's pew, ascended to the pulpit unconscious that 
this natural attention to the young lady was sufficient to excite 
lively imaginations and inquiries in the audience. 

TJpon reading the hymn to be sung, the young clergyman was 
surprised to perceive evident efforts in the congregation to sup- 
press laughter. 

The daughter of his friend possessed the mellifluous name of 
Grace, and all unsuspicious of that fact he had chosen the h}Tnn, 
beginning with the words '^Amazing grace" and proceeding with: 

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear. 
And grace my fears relieved. 
How precious did that grace appear. 
The hour I first believed: 

Through many dangers toils and snares, 
I have already come; 
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far. 
And grace will lead me home. 

The Grange and Prohibition 

The following resolutions were adopted at the annual meeting 
of the Maine State Grange Dec. 23, 191Q, in view of their definite 
and sturdy declarations of fundamental principles there would 
seem to be no doubt as to where the farmers of Maine stand in the 
fight that is upon us. 

Whereas: To educate and elevate American farmers and to 
promote the welfare of our country and of mankind are funda- 



History of the Towx of Peru 33 

mental principles of our organization, and it has always been the 
aim and desire of all true Patrons of Husbandry to work for the 
improvement of social conditions and the bettennent of the morals 
of our people by carrying out principles of our order, and, 

Whereas : Alcoholic liquor is the greatest evil of modern times, 
an enemy to progress and education, a destroyer of true manhood 
and womanhood, a menace to our homes, a burden to the State 
and a foe to good government and is in every way directly op- 
posed to the principles of our order, and. 

Whereas: Absolute prohibition is the only right and rational 
method of dealing with the liquor traffic, and the only method 
that we can conscientiously sanction, therefore, be it 

Eesolved: By the Maine State Grange in annual session as- 
sembled, representing nearly 60,000 patrons, that we emphatically 
protest against the repeal of the 26th amendment to our State 
constitution prohibiting the manufacture or sale of alcoholic 
liquors within the State. 

Eesolved : That it is the duty of every subordinate and Po- 
mona Grange within the state to use all means possible to prevent 
the repeal of this amendment; and be it further 

Eesolved: That so far as possible we co-operate with and 
assist tlie churches, the Civic League, Woman's Christian Tem- 
perance Union, and all other organizations opposed to the repeal 
of said amendment in retaining it upon our statute book. 

Peru Baptist Church 

Plantation dumber One, from which, in 1821, was incorpor- 
ated the town of Peru, was settled about the year 1800. Some 
Baptist families were among the early settlers. At the request of 
these resident Baptists a council was called September 9, 1818, at 
the house of Benjamin Wormell, for the purpose of church or- 
ganization. This council consisted of delegates from the Baptist 
church at Dixfield, and the First and Second Baptist churches of 
Livermore. The nine constituent members were: Jabez Delano, 
Grace Delano, Brada Bailey, Nancy Bailey, Benjamin Wormell, 
Anna Wormell, Eobinson Turner, Gilbert Hatheway, Samson 
Freeman. 

From the time of organization until 1843 the clmrcJi had no 
regular pastor and supplies only a part of the time. Eev. Jackson 
Palmer Haines and others preached occasionally. In the early 
days two brethren from this cliurch were licensed to preach : Gil- 



34 History of the Town of Peru 

bert Hathcway, August 25, 1821; and Larnard Cmnniings, April 
22, 1833. 

May 8, 1830, Eev. Elias Nelson from the Third church in Liv- 
ermore united with the Peru church and remained three years 
preaching a part of the time. May 12, 1830, the church voted to 
unite with the church at Dixfield and in later years a number of 
pastors supplied Peru and East Dixfield churches. Prom the or- 
ganization of the church until 18-43 about twenty-five were taken 
into the church. 

Services were held in schoolhouses and private residences for 
at least thirty years when the Baptists began to occupy the Metho- 
dist meeting-house at Peru Center. In 1894, the meeting-house 
was purchased by the Baptists. Eepairs to the amount of about 
one hundred dollars were made at that time. March 14 and 15, 
1843, a Quarterly Meeting was held at Bethel and a council com- 
posed of delegates to that Quarterly Meeting ordained Brother S. 
Wyman of the Peru church for the gospel ministry. Brother Wy- 
man became pastor of the Peru church and remained until Sep- 
tember 20, 1868. During his pastorate twenty-six joined the 
church by baptism, fifteen by letter and nine by experience. 

Of this number, nineteen became members through the efforts 
of Eev. E. B. Andrews, who came to the church for special meet- 
ings in 1865. Elder Andrews came as one of a committee from 
the association to visit and hold meetings for three days with feeble 
churches. In about four years from this time Brother Andrews 
worked with this church in connection with the East Dixfield 
church and great results were felt. It was not a time of revival 
but of reformation. A great many who were converted at that 
time became members of the Free Will Baptist church and many 
also were added to the Methodist church in Peru. From the 
resignation of Eev. S. S. Wyman until June, 1869, Elder Andrews 
was pastor of the church. 

In 1869, Eev. Charles Parker supplied the church in connec- 
tion with the Canton church and his work was greatly appreciated. 
During 1870 and 1871, Eev. E. Dunham from Bryant's Pond sup- 
plied the church occasionally. 

In 1872, Eev. C. H. Wyman preached at Peru and East Dix- 
field and 1873 Eev. J. E. Herrick supplied the same churches. A 
few years later Mr. Herrick was called to Peru to baptize three 
candidates. Eev. A. B. Pendleton came in 1875 and remained 
three years in connection with the church at East Dixfield. Three 
were baptized and united with the church during that time. 



History of the Town of Peru 35 

Then, for about three years, the church was without a pastor 
until Bev. G. L. Lewis came to Peru and Canton in 1881. In 
1883 Eev. W. E. Morse supplied Peru and East Dixfield. 

During 1885 Eev. W. H. S. Ventres was pastor at Peru and 
Canton and in 1886 became pastor of Peru church only. During 
his pastorate eight were baptized and united with the church. 

Eev. J. M. Long from Canton supplied the church in 1887 
and 1888. Mr. Long proved himself to be a man of deep earnest- 
ness and thorough scholarly attainments. 

Again for four years the church was without a pastor. During 
1893 and 1894, Eev. H. M. Purington from Canton, preached once 
each month and held a prayer-meeting each week. In 1895, Eev. 
S. D. Eichardson from Hebron supplied once in two weeks. Mr. 
Eichardson baptized two who united with the church. 

Eev. J. D. Graham from Eumford Falls church supplied during 
1897 and 1898. Eev. H. G. Clark from Canton preached during 
1901. 

Since that time the Peru church has been supplied by students 
and others for short periods of time, but the membership of the 
church has become so small that a pastor could not be supported 
throughout the year. State Missionary E. A. Davis now has over- 
sight of the field and helps by sending supplies and doing personal 
work among the people. Three were baptized by Mr. Davis and 
united with the church during 1904. 

A Sunday-school has been maintained for about fifty years and 
in the last few years the Sunday-school interest has been good even 
when we had no other church service. The average attendance is 
about twenty. 

The Deacons who have served the church since its organization 
are : Gilbert Hatheway, James Wliite, Scammon Starbird, Sumner 
Eobinson, Winfield Shackley, W. H. Walker, Charles Lapham. 

Those who have served as clerks are : Gilbert Hatheway, J. C. 
Wyman, Sumner Eobinson, Sumner Eobinson, Jr., Benjamin 
Allen, ^Y. S. Shackley, W. H. Walker. 

A legacy of two hundred dollars was left the church by Deacon 
Winfield S. Shackley. About sixty have been added to the church 
by baptism and about twenty-five by letter and experience since 
organization. The present membership of the church is twenty 
with a resident membership of twelve. 1910 resident membership, 
four, preaching service, ten Sabbaths. 

Members who joined Peru Baptist church after its organization, 
and the year: Abial Delano, 1818; Sophia or Sarah Delano, his 



36 History of the Toavn of Peeu 

wife, 1819; Lillis Turner, Abijah Delano, James White, Xancy 
White, 1820; Elizabeth Turner, Eebecca Marsh, Andrew Marsh, 
1823; Abigail Delano, Lydia Lunt, 1824; Mason Hinkley, Jolin 
Delano, Mehitable Delano, 1825 ; Jabez Delano, 1828 ; S. S. W3TOan, 
Joanna Oldham, Abigail Bonney, 1831; Wm. Smith, Hannah 
Smith, 1832 ; James Knox, Sally Knox, Mehitable Wyman, 1833 ; 
Henry H. Wyman, 1837; Hannah Starbird, Scammon Starbird, 
1840; Therzy Bassett, James Bassett, Wm. Delano, Nathaniel Star- 
bird, Francis Delano, Xancy Wyman, Polly Parks, Gilbert H. 
Bailey, Hiram E. Knox, Elias X. Delano, Sarah Delano, 1843; 
John C. Wyman, Betsey T. L. Wyman, Susannah S. Wyman, 1844; 
Francis Lamt, 1845 ; Sumner Eobinson, Sumner Eobinson, Jr., 
Benjamin Allen, 1849 ; Cordelia Eobinson, 1850 ; Joseph Hall, 
Betsey A. Walker, 1853; Eliza Y. Wyman, 1855; Sabrina Walker, 
1859; X^ancy W. Wyman, Winfield S. Shackley, 1860; Eliza Y. 
Gammon, 1862 ; Mary A. Wyman, Eveline Burgess, 1864 ; Abbie 
G. Xewton, Geo. Washington Bisbee; Mary H. Bisbee, Elisha S. 
Wyman, Matilda K. W3T,nan, Orville Eobinson, Sabra W^. Eobinson, 
Walter S. X'cA^^on, Wm. H. Walker, Albert Webster, 1866 ; Sarah 
M. Walker (wife of Wm. Chandler), Martha M. Arnold, Thomas 
E. Coombs, Eunice W. Merrill, Daniel S. Bickford, Lovesta Bick- 
ford, 1866; John F. Hazelton, Lydia J. Hazelton, Sarah White, 
1867; Eev. Chas. Bisbee of Wilton, F. B., 1869; Mary K. Bar- 
rows (wife of James A.), 1871; Samuel F. Eol)inson 1877; Ar- 
thur S. Hazelton, Geo. 0. Hayford, Maria M. Xewton, Esther I. 
W. Gibbs, Mary E. A. Bent, Eunice G. Hayford, 1879. Other 
members who joined later or were identified as members of the 
faith: Henry E. Eobinson, Windsor H. Wyman, Florence E. Wy- 
man, Ozroe A. Wyman, Ida H. Hazelton, Charles S. Walker, Liz- 
zie M. Walker, Tola M. Walker, Alma C. AYalker. 

The Methodist Meeting House at Cent, of Peru was erected and 
dedicated in fall of 1838. The pews were built and house com- 
pleted in summer of 1839. The land was a part of Wm. AValker's 
farm, and given by son Hezekiah to the M. E. Church, and title of 
house and lot given to the Bishop of the M. E. Church. By this 
act the pew o^smers had no vested rights, except to occupy the 
house. In 1894 the Bishop sold the house and lot to the Baptist 
Church in Peru for one hundred dollars, cash. 

Peru Methodist Church 

We regret that the records of the organization and subsequent 
acts of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Peru are not available, 



o 



a 
K 

O 

c 



o 




History of the Town of Peru 37 

by reason of the death of nearly all the church officials forty years 
ago. James Lunt, the last surviving member, died in 187:;;. His 
daughter, Mary A., the wife of Kev. Kobert Hall, was the last 
member resident in town in the middle eighties. She d in 1888. 
This church dedicated its house of worship at Peru Center in the 
fall of 1838. The hrst pastor that writer recollects was John 
Lufkin, of Kumford, in early forties. He was the type of giant 
stock, tall, dignified and stern, and preached some pretty warm 
sermons. A^ext or soon, followed Eev. Seth B. Chase in 1814. He 
was a native of Paris, a relative of Salmon P. Chase, Chief Jus- 
tice of the U. S. Supreme Court. He was licensed to preach in 
1843, and his first appointment was at East Eumford, the same 
year, where he reported a claim at the end of the year of $107, of 
which he received $83. His second, appointment, was Peru and 
Hartford, where he reported 126 members in a society that had 
never before reported a membership to the Conference. His 
whole claim this year was $104, of which he got $55. We can but 
conjecture what part of the members were of Peru. Twenty or 
more families of this persuasion, averaging three members at least 
were regular attendants at this church, leading to the probability 
that one half or more of the members w^re of Peru. The fore- 
going extracts are from the New England Southern Conference 
Eeport, 1903. Eev. Chase was much liked and highly respected 
by all. He was sure to have a full house. Most everybody went to 
meeting in those days on Sunday regardless of denomination. The 
audience would contain often nearly as many non-professors as pro- 
fessors of religion. The ministers of that day though not scholarly, 
were endowed with great power and uplift in prayer, seldom found 
with the best educated ministers of the twentieth century. Eev. 
Chase was no exception to the rule. We quote from his obituaries : 
''At one time he entered a sick room, and seeing some flowers tliat 
had been brought to the sick one, he remarked. There will be beau- 
tiful flowers in heaven.' The sick one WTites : 'The expression was 
such it seemed to me that Father Chase stood on the very border- 
land of glory, and could see the glories of the heavenly home.' " 
Many of the church registers of the charges he served record bap- 
tisms and admissions by him. "In the great day of accounts many 
will rise up and call him blessed." "He had great power in prayer, 
seeming to talk with God as few men do." "While living at Eocky 
Hill, Conn., where he spent tlie last years of his life, he frequently 
supplied the pulpit and officiated at many funerals." 



38 History of the Towx of Peru 

Methodist Church 

Methodist services were held more or less for a period of twenty- 
five years, though very irregular the last half of that period. For 
want of ready cash to pay the circuit preacher, the conference was 
not asked to furnish a pastor only a portion of the time. The 
pulpit was supplied largely by home talent. The membership of 
the church was the largest from 1838 to about 1850. In the early 
fifties a woman preacher, who was designated "Sister Parker," 
and a woman companion made their home with a family at 
Worthly pond several months. They held meetings in the school- 
houses there and had a general attendance and several conversions. 
Miss Parker sought to obtain a license from the Methodist confer- 
ence to exhort or to preach. The presiding elder would come 
round once a year and hold an all-day service, and this lady waited 
his coming to present her request in a written letter. 

Rev. Arthur Sanderson, who had held the last service, was so 
cordial, genial and spiritual that the candidate, though of the oppo- 
site sex, had hope of recognition at least in the good work she was 
doing. Perhaps she was not aware that the rules or laws of the 
creed would not allow her request. The day dawned, and a new 
official was to decide the fate of Sister Parker. She was there with 
her band of parishioners. They formed half of the audience that 
forenoon, and the house was quite well filled. The presiding elder 
preached his forenoon sermon, and, having knowledge of the event, 
gave Miss Parker an opportunity to show her ministerial ability. 
She gave impromptu a short dissertation. The minister remarked 
at the table that noon, "She is an able woman." In denying the 
request, he said, among other things, "It is an innovation." It 
was a sore disappointment to both Miss Parker and her followers. 
The worst feature of the event was the great lack of the spirit and 
sympathy of Christian fellowship on the part of the high official. 
He could at least, had he been so disposed, have bid her God- 
speed in the good work she was doing, and encouraged her to per- 
eevere, though he was unable to grant her request. But he mani- 
fested no appreciation of her services. His reply was taken to 
mean a rebuke to women preachers. The Pond contingent withdrew 
immediately. That was the last Methodist conference in that 
house. From that event, Methodist service declined and died in 
town. Sister Parker felt the rebuke so much that she left the 
service. 





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WIFE OF REV. S. 1'.. CHASE--1SL'1-1S99. 



History of the Towx of Peru 39 

Members of the M. E. Church 

The following heads of families and a portion of their members 
comprised a large part of the membership of the Methodist church 
during the 3'ears from 1838 to 1858 : Moses True and wife, Amos 
Kyle and family, James Lunt and family, Levi Lunt and wife, 
Dean Lunt and wife, Samuel Holmes and family, Eobert Hall and 
wife, Jefferson Hall and family, Libert}^ Hall and wife, Jeremiah 
Hall and wife, Liberty Hall, 2nd, and wife, Erastus Hall and wife, 
Joseph Eicker and family, Hezckiah Walker and wife, jSTathan 
Walker and wife, Jedediah White and family, Wm. Walker, Jr., 
and wife, John E. Jenne and wife, Lyman Bolster and wife, Sam- 
uel Burgess, Wm. Paul and wife, John S. Lunt and wife. Jeffer- 
son and Robert Hall were licensed local preachers and occupied the 
pulpit of their house occasionally, in the absence of other preachers. 

Chase Family 

The wife of Eev. Seth Bradford Chase was one of Peru's 
adopted daughters. Her marriage was seven years after adoption ; 
her history and posterity are a part of the town's history and the 
historian recounts with pride the achievements of all such, known. 
Mary Elizabeth Holmes b Monmouth, Me., June 11, '31, m Jan. 
31, '47, Seth Bradford Chase, a Methodist minister of Maine 
conference. The places of birth of their children show a few of 
his many pastorates. Chil., Abbie Elizabeth b North Paris, Nov. 
15, '47, m Nov. 16, '70, John W. Starkweather at Chilmark, Mass. 
She d Apr. 2, 1901. Mary Elizabeth b Eumford, Me., Nov. 15, 
'52, graduated at Bridgewater Normal School, ni Sept. 4, '77, 
Henry J. Ladd, bookkeeper. He d at Rocky Hill, Conn., Dec. 
4, '90. Widow Ladd remarried May 15, '94, Henry Humphrey, 
proprietor sash and blind factory, retired. Address Rocky Hill, 
Conn. Clara Louise Chase b in Phillips, Me., Jan. 30, '57, at- 
tended Hartford, Conn, high school, stenographer and private 
secretary at Springfield, Mass. Etta Helena Chase b South Truro, 
Mass., Sept. 8, '61, graduate of the Hartford high school and of 
the New Britton, Conn. Normal School, taught in the City (Buf- 
falo) Training School for Teachers. She is now (1909) proaf 
reader at Rocky Hill, Conn. The last two unmarried are yet 
brilliant and smart. We pass to note the offspring of the two 
daughters who married. Chil. of Abbie E. and John W. Stark- 
weather: Florence Chase Starkweather b Sept. 10, '71, m in 
Denver, Colorado, April 7, '92, Howard A. Giddings. Address 



40 History of the Town of Peru 

Hartford, Conn., Superintendent of Agencies Travelers Insur- 
ance Co. Eobert B. Starkweather b Hartford Conn., June 8, '80, 
clerk in Travelers' Ins. Co., Chicago. Eichard Holmes Stark- 
weather, b Hartford, Conn., Mar. 15, '83, clerk in Travelers Ins. 
Co., New York City. Chil. of Mary Elizabeth Chase and Henry 
J. Ladd, b July 29, '48, bookkeeper in Eocky Hill, Conn., where 
he died Dec. 4, '90. Chester William Ladd, b Mar. 4, '82, at 
Thonipsonville, Conn., m at Hartford, Conn., Apr. 23, 1907, Elsie 
H. Cleveland. Mary Elizabeth Humphrey had no issue. 

Eev. Chase was b in Paris, Me., Nov. 30, 1818, at d at Eocky 
Hill, Conn., Jan. 21, 1902. He was educated in the common 
schools of his town and at Kent's Hill Seminary. Mary Eliza- 
beth Holmes was the daughter of Capt. Samuel Holmes and 
Clarissa Marston the second child of nine children. She was a 
woman of sterling qualities, penetration, high ideals, energetic 
and full of business, a broad-minded Christian. Her qualities are 
transmitted and in evidence in the present generation. "Her 
health failed several years before her translation which took place 
May 18, 1899." 

First Meeting House at West Peru 

It seldom falls to the lot of an historian to relate an act similar 
to the one that follows. "West Peru had for over fifty years been 
in need of a meeting house. It would have been occupied regu- 
larly by Eev. "\Vm. Woodsum from 1830 when he came to town, 
until about 1862 when his home was broken up by the loss of 
his wife, Eosannah Woodman. But where was the money to come 
from to supply the want? The members of this church were few 
in 'number and of small means. Had some prophet foretold ten 
years before, that some one then living in towTi, would voluntarily 
and unsolicited provide the means, no one would have suspected 
that Alpheus C. Small would have filled the prophecy. He made 
provision in his will for the purchase of a lot and the building of 
the church, as dedicated by the Free Baptists, 1894. This act vol- 
untarily and unsolicited seemed to be contrary to his general trend 
of life. If he had ever contemplated this bequest, he kept the 
matter a secret. What finally induced him? Did his guardian 
angel at the opportune moment impress upon his mind the pre- 
cepts and example of fond parents, when in his youth he went 
with them to church every Sunday ? In his musing he recalls the 
sweet pleasure fatlier and mother took in church service, the 
anxiety they manifested for his welfare and their desire that he 



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History of the Town^ of Peru -il 

should grow up a good and useful man; hence he was impressed 
with the debt of gratitude he owed them and the little he had 
done to perpetuate their virtues and the family name; then a 
sense of duty lead him to spring a joyful surprise on the com- 
munity. This narrative is based on personal observation and the 
talk of testator at making of will. 

School Exhibition 

An old time town school exhibition comprising the Wormell 
district and the Waite district was held at the Methodist meet- 
ing house in the early forties. This is worthy of note, it being 
the only instance this church suffered their house to be desecrated 
by dance music during organization. Program was made up of 
declamations, dialogues, drama and songs. The only music avail- 
able was Wilson's string band, two fiddles and a bass viol. Amos 
Kyle plead with his uncle Hezekiah Walker half an hour before 
gaining his consent to occupy the house. Xo dancing behind the 
curtain. Every thing orderly. Mr. Walker decided the music 
was a little too quick for a house dedicated to church service and 
that settled it during their life time. This exhibition was notable. 
Several of the parts were taken by some of the best talent in towTi. 
Orville Knight had recently reached the stage of action, served 
on the school board and was apj)ointed major in State militia. 
He was easy and fluent in speech. Sumner R. Newell was a 
pioneer school master, a great debater and interesting speaker. 
There were lots of school pupils whom writer is unable to recall 
by name after 65 years or more. It was on this occasion that 
Peru's poet and orator "Little Jacob" as his neighbors called him, 
gave evidence of much promise. Jacob Lovejoy was then about 
sixteen years old. He delivered a declaration, occupying nearly 
half an hour, declamatory, whose rendering would have done credit 
to Daniel Webster. One master scene of the program, was David 
killing Goliah. The parts were well sustained. Eoscoe G. Xewell, 
■4 yrs old, imijersonated the young hero armed with sling and five 
small stones. Albion K. Knight the champion Philistine, clad 
in war armor, stood in height six feet and a span. See I Samuel, 
Chap. 17. "And the Philistine said I defy the armies of Israel 
this day ; give me a man that we may fight together. And when 
the Philistine looked about and saw David he disdained him, for 
he was but a youth and niddy and of a fair countenance and the 
Philistine cursed David by his gods, and said, come to me and 



42 History of the Towx ov Peru 

I will give thy flesh unto tlie fowls of the air and to the beasts 
of the field. Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to 
me with a sword and with a spear, Ijut I come to thee in the 
name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel whom 
thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine 
hand and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee. And 
it came to pass when the Philistine arose and came to meet David, 
that David ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And 
David put his hand in his bag and took a stone and slung it and 
smote the Philistine in his head." The Goliath in the play, fell 
■with a crash on the stage and every person in the house felt the 
thud. David rushed to the prostrate body drew from it a sword, 
and was to view, about to com.plete the threat, when the curtain 
•dropped. Stephen Fletcher, Amos M. Kyle, Winslow Kyle, Jona- 
than Hall, Jr., Joseph E. Bartlett, his daughter about 15, sang 
alone. The leading violin caught tune, played interlude in gallery. 
Jane Lunt and sisters, Clarissa Holmes, Eothrus Waite and broth- 
ers, James M. Gammon, Geo. Walker and many others contributed. 
Simeon Bicknell of Canton gave vocal music. All good. 

Representatives in Legislature 

Names of persons who represented Peru and her district in the 
Legislature of Maine since incorporation, and the year of their 
election and residence; Adam Knight, 1833, Peru; Silas Barnard, 
1828, Dixfield; Silas Branard, 1830; John M. Eustis, 1831, Dix- 
field; Rev. Wm. Woodsum, 1832, Peru; Abiatha Austin, 1833, Can- 
ton; Isaac N. Stanley, 1838, Dixfield; Farewell Walton, 1839, 
Peru; Thos. J. Cox, 1840, Dixfield; Thos. J. Cox, 1841, Dixfield; 
Eichard Hutchinson, 1842, Hartford; Orville Knight, 1843, Peru; 
Wm. K. Kimball, 1844, Canton; Joseph Child, 1845, Hartford; 
Sumner R. Newell, 1846, Peiu; Caleb P. Holland, 1847, Canton; 
Sampson Reed, 1848, Hartford; Isaac Chase, 1849, Peru; Caleb P. 
Holland, 1850, Canton; Joseph P. Child, 1852, Hartford; Lyman 
Bolster, 1853, Peru; Samuel Poor, 1854, Andover; Richard Taylor, 
1855, Byron; Joshua L. Weeks, 1856, Roxbury; Chas. A. Kimball, 
1857, Rumford; Samuel Holmes, 1858, Peru; James W. Clark, 
1859, Andover; Patrick Hoyt, 1860, Rumford; Thos. J. Demeritt, 
1861, Peru; Ira Wadell, 1862, Rumford; Joseph L. Chapman, 
1863, Andover; Henry S. Mclntire, 1864, Peru; Francis A. Ba- 
con, 1865, Rumford; Cyrus Dunn, 1866, Peru; Andrew J. Church- 
ell, 1871, Peru; Moses Alley, 1872, Hartford; John P. Swasey, 
1873, Canton; Wm. Woodsum, 1875. Peru; Gilbert Tilton, 1876, 



History of the Toavx of Peru 43 

Sumner; Henry B. Hersey, 1878, Canton; Joseph S. Mendal, 1879, 
Hartford; Henry Eowe, 1880, Peru. 

Wm. H. Walker 1881: in Peru, was her last Eepresentative. 
Under a new classification the party machine ostracised Peru from 
further Eepresentatives in Legislature. Any thing is counted 
honest and fair tliat can win now-a-days, in politics. Twenty-five 
years have passed. Henry K. Po])inson of Peru is Representative, 
1910-1911. 

Citizenship— Its Rights 

In noting the acts of the early settlers, it is amusing to ob- 
serve the disregard that was manifested in a few instances for the 
rights of citizenship in a free republic. Among the pioneer set- 
tlers of Winthrop there chanced to be one who was not a free- 
holder. And though he was peaceable and well behaved he was 
held in derision and bore the epithet, Fiddler, a useless fellow and 
must be got rid of ; accordingly, lie was waited upon by the Magis- 
trate, who warned him out of town and "off the face of God's 
earth." The poor fellow with a broken heart asked: "Where then 
shall I go ?" "Go ! go to Wayne." There was an instance on rec- 
ord showing a citizen was warned out of town, who was not a 
Fiddler (Peru always had great respect for that accomplishment). 
Tlie case at point will appear. Joseph Orcutt of Monmouth, b 
North Bridgewater, Mass. (now Brockton), Sept. 14, 1781; m 1st 
Nov. 29, 1806 Naomi Chesman, who d Feb. 20, 1819, of same town. 
Their dau Naomi, b Feb. 16, 1819; m Nov. 9, 1840, Jedediah P. 
Hopkins in Peru. Prior to daughter's marriage Mr. Orcutt moved 
to Peru and was chosen School Agt., in district No. 11, 1838, pre- 
sumably at March meeting. At April meeting of same year he 
presented Art. 6, a claim for injury to person sustained on highway, 
by horse breaking through culvert. Voted to pass the Article by. 
At a subsequent town meeting, in the same year, he was 
warned by ballot to leave town. He obeyed the injunction and re- 
moved to Monmouth where he died Feb. 13, 1839. What would be 
said if similar events should occur in the twentieth century? The 
fact that the voters at that April meeting refused to recognize Mr. 
Orcutt's claim is not unusual, or was not at that date, but that 
they should assume authority to expel a man from town for receiv- 
ing an injury in consequence of town's neglect to keep higliways in 
safe repair, and that seems a just interpretation, reflects sadly a 
lack of intelligence and benificence of the community, or at least 



44 ' History of the Town of Peru 

of the voters who favored the act. In 1640 Edward Hall of Dux- 
bury, Mass., Progenitor of Peru Halls, had to get a license from 
Plymouth Court to build him a rude house on his own land where 
there was no settlement. That was under the Government of 
Kings, who claimed to rule by Divine Pight. That right was ab- 
rogated 1776 by the "Declaration of Independence." 

Lawyers 

Peru does not boast of resident lawyers, though she had one 
man who delighted to be in law and who spent a handsome prop- 
erty in contests at law covering a period of twenty years. He 
owned large tracts of land and refused to pay the taxes assessed 
thereon year after year, claiming illegality. His lands were sold 
for taxes over and over a term of years, and bid off by individuals 
who held a tax deed for title that availed nothing \vithout posses- 
sion, and the land owner only laughed, knowing there was no prec- 
edent in law that would give possession. Prominent lawyers had 
expressed the opinion that the High Court would not sanction 
the taking of tracts of land for its tax. Several who had invested 
in tax deeds, fearing the uncertainty pending, stopped attending 
land sales. Finally Mr. Jonas Green, having to do with towa af- 
fairs, became interested to know what constituted a legal tax, and 
resolved to test the matter in high court. He began prosecution 
with a batch of over twenty counts March term of S. J. Court at 
Paris, 1864. Alvah Black of Paris was Lunt's attorney. It was 
agreed that the case be sent up to full bench without trial at that 
court. Mr. Lunt was considerable of a lawyer and well knew the 
Town Eecords would be the principal evidence in the case. He 
was living in the Cyrus Dunn Brick house. West Peru, near corner 
of road to Pd. Falls. Wm. Woodsum was Town Clerk and the 
records of the town were kept in a small room on the back side of 
his store, fitted up with a desk and shelves for books and papers 
and lighted by a window on that side. An unusual incident oc- 
curred here a few weeks before the court session at Paris. Mr. 
Peter Smith then living in his residence opposite the bridge had 
occasion to get up in the night by reason of a sick child and as he 
entered the room fronting the west end of the store, he saw a light, 
a blaze near the ground under the window on the back side of the 
AVoodsum store. He went to inspect the cause and found that fuel 
had been placed against the store under the window, and set on 
fire. It had burned through the outside boarding and was dis- 



History of the Towx of Peru 45 

covered just in time to save the room, the town records and the 
store. The yell, fire ! fire ! brought out the neighbors including Mr. 
Lunt promptly. The decision of the courts of March 1861 was 
ver)' favorable for the defendant, and if he had stopped litigation 
then and settled all just demands to date, he would have re- 
tained the greater portion of his real estate. Of the twenty-two or 
three counts the prosecution held only six or seven. The ruling of 
court on those counts determined the defects of record or proce- 
dure that rendered, sa}' sixteen counts illegal. The knowledge 
thus revealed was an educator to all town officials. It enabled Mr. 
Green to mend up the defects next time and by keeping the mill 
grinding as the 3'ears rolled on, bidding in tax sales and continu- 
ing to bring new cases before the High Court, he finally divested 
Mr. Lunt of nearly all his land. The last lot not involved was 
attached b}' Mr. Black for attorney's fees, and sold for two hun- 
dred dollars. This case was the means of swelling the next volume 
of Law Reports. It establislied for the first time well defined 
statute law in Maine for the taxation of property in all its details. 
It cost Mr. Lunt several thousand dollars for the illustrations of 
the law and the knowledge gained, yet the object lesson failed 
to gratify the people. Mr. Lunt never got any thanks. 



A Few Stray Items 

The population of Peru in 1837 was 854. The population in 
the census of 1890 was 773 persons. In the War of the Pebellion 
Peru furnished 115 soldiers of whom 30 were killed or died in the 
service. She paid in bounties the sum of $7,720. The name of 
Androscoggin river is an Indian name given by the Anasagunti- 
cooks whose camp Rocomeco for many years was on the east bank 
of the river south of Dixfield line. This territory (afterwards 
Jay) was first known as Phipps, Canada. The tract was granted 
to Capt. Phipps and 63 others for service rendered in the Indian 
wars. It is well known that a part of Jay was set off and incor- 
porated town of Canton, 1821, the same year as Peru. 

Lots of ponds in Kennebec county have become lakes under 
Indian names. In Monmouth Ctr., there is Lake Coclmewagen, 
named after Cochnewagens, a branch of the Anasagunticooks. 
The to^ra of Sabattus takes its name from an Indian chief who 
acted as guide to Benedict Arnold in 1775 when he ascended the 
Kennebec river on his way to Quebec. Franklin plantation fur- 
nished twenty-seven soldiers in the Civil War. Peru produced 



46 History of the Town of Peru 

in 1837, 3157 busliels of wheat. Population of Canton in 1837 
was 827. Crop of wheat 3114 bushels. Pop. in 1910, 1013. 
Pop. of Peru 1910, 746. 

Dixfield was incorporated 1803. Population in 1837, 1148, 
Product of wheat same year 5532 bushels. Pop. in 1910, 1056. 

The First Free Baptist Church in Peru 

The early records were taken and not returned by the executors 
in the estate of A. C. Small and his bequest to the church. A 
cyclopedia states the first F. B. Church here was organized in 
1823. Eev. Wm, Woodsum was ordained that year at Sumner. 
It is probable he organized the church. Members in part: 
Demus Bishop and wife, Isabel C. Bishop, Amanda M. Walker, 
Mercy Walker, Amanda AValker, Alfred B. Walker, Mary Lucia 
Walker. In 1833 the church joined the Farmington Quarterly 
Meeting. In 1842 it joined the Otisfield Q. M. where it con- 
tinues. Eev. Woodsum moved to Peru in 1831 and was the only 
pastor of this church during his life. He passed to higher life 
July 24, 1872. It appears that previous to his death a branch 
of this church had been organized at Worthly Pond and on the 
28th day of May, 1873, the members of the First F. B. Church 
of Peru met with the branch at the schoolhouse at head of pond 
and voted to unite with the branch and form one church, and the 
members of said branch of whom Freeman Irish was deacon, 
voted to unite with said First F. B. Church and form one church. 
This church still exists and maintains church service at West 
Peru. 

The members of the branch who joined the parent church 
are as follows: Benj. F. Oldham, Sarah J. M. Oldham, Isaac 
Oldham^ Thaddeus Oldham, John Oldham, David G. Oldham, 
Sarah P. Oldham, Elias P. Oldham, Freeman Irish, Almedia Irish, 
Freeland Starbird, wife Mary Ellen Starbird, William Cox, wife 
Louisa P. Cox, Almedia E. Foster, Henry Milner, wife Jane 
Milner. Church voted to reinstate Demus Bishop and Freeman 
Irish as deacons of the First F. B. Church of Peru. In July, 
1879, there were added by baptism Cyrus Burgess, Sophilia Burgess, 
Lydia J. Knight, Daniel D. Delano, W. H. Trafton. Oct. 19, 
1879, added Henry Castle, Elmer Burgess and Mrs. Fannie Delano 
by baptism. Oct. 26, 1879, Alfred B. Walker was ordained deacon 
vice Deacon Irish resigned. Nov. 2, 1879, Daniel W. Knight, 
Lorenzo Delano were admitted by baptism. In Nov. 1882, J. C. 



History of the Towx of Peru 47 

Wyman and J. H. Putnam were admitted by baptism. June 17, 
1883, S. Ward Howard and Frances A. Wyman admitted by bap- 
tism. May 17, 1884, A. B. Walker, J. C. Wyman and L. D. Del- 
ano were chosen trustees to look after the will of A. C. Small that 
portion bequeathing money to build a house of worship at West 
Peru. June, 1884, Isabel B. Hammon, Lottie B. Hammon, Josie 
M. Delano, Lizzie G. Knight, Cora E. Turner, Clara E. Bemis, 
Daniel W. Walker, Fannie B. Newton, Oscar E. Delano were ad- 
mitted by baptism. 

Members of the First F. B. Church admitted later: Austin, 
Emma A.; Arnold, Joseph A.; Atkins, David; Atkins, Alby W.; 
Atkins, Aurie E.; Atkins, Edith L. ; Burgess, Alden; Burgess, 
Elmer; Burgess, Sophia; Burgess, Lewis; Burgess, Merte; Babb, 
Edwin; Bisbee, Leroy; Bartlett, Joseph; Carver, Wm. W. ; Carver, 
Lizzie; Delano, Fred A.; Gammon, Danville A.; Gammon, Carrie 
A.; Gordon, Grafton B. ; Gordon, Flora A.; Goding, Eltene E.; 
Goding, Ernest G. ; Hammon, Elva E. ; Hammon, Isabel B. ; Hem- 
ingway, Orpha G. ; Hemingway, Maydell ; Hall, Mary E. ; Hall, 
Wilber; Hopkins, Oliver C; Hopkins, Alice M. ; Howard, Emily 
IST. ; Howard, Edgar M.; Howard, Eunice T.; Hussey, Edna M.; 
Irish, Chas. G. ; Irish, Samuel F. ; Irish, Lorenzo; Irish, Benj. P.; 
Irish, Mary J.; Irish, Julia I.; Irish, Abbie K. ; Keen, C. T.; 
Kidder, Priscilla; Lovejoy, Ada B. ; Lunt, Herbert; Lunt, Naomi: 
Lunt, Celia B.; Mclntire, Nellie A.; Oldham, Eleanor; Putnam, 
Jolm A.; Putnam, Lela G. ; Eowe, Lucy B.; Eowe, Henry 0.; 
Eowe, Etta L. ; Eowe, Charles H. ; Eowe, Mary E. ; Eowe, Marion 
G.; Eowe, George L. ; Eowe, Adella E. ; Eowe, Emma J.; Eobin- 
son, Irene; Sampson, Benj. E.; Stillman, Hattie; Stillman, Hiram 
E. ; Stillman, Olive M. ; Small, Lillian A. ; Small, Lora M. ; Smith, 
Geo. A.; Smith, Mary J.; Tucker, Emily I.; Turner, Emily M.; 
Tracy, Julia H. ; Tracy, Grace M. 

Benjamin Allen 

Benjamin Allen and Mary A. Bent, daughter of Samuel Bent, 
and he, brother of the father of Wm. H. Bent, postmaster. Mr. 
Allen and wife before marriage worked on the farm several years 
for John Quincy Adams at Quincy, Mass. They formerly lived 
in Hartford. Their first child, Mary Ann, b. 1826, died there 
Sept. 1, 1842, ae. 16 yrs., 5 m. John Quincy Allen, their only 
son, b. 1832, died of consumption in Peru Jan. 23, 1855, ae. 23 
yrs. The family came to Peru about 1847-8; bought the Nathan 



48 History of the Town of Peru 

Walker farm. It was the original Merrill Knight farm. There 
have been five family owners and occupants here since Benjamin 
Allen — Henry Wragg, Nathaniel Jackson and Nathan Walker were 
successors of Merrill Knight, Jr., on this farm. Mr. Allen was 
a prosperous farmer, honest, upright; he lived a well ordered life. 
The family were devoted Cliristians and zealous members in church 
service at the Methodist church. Mr. Allen served the town as 
selectman and other offices at different times. He died Jan. 27, 
1880, ae. 80 years. His wife died July 25, 1885, ae. 86 years. 
Graves of the family are in Hartford. They were members of the 
Baptist church in Peru. 

Atkins Family 

iSTathaniel Atkins was among the early settlers of Wayne. He 
cleared a farm there owned by L. S. Maxim in the perio(J covered 
by History of Wayne 1798-1898. His son Nathaniel, Jr., was 
a soldier in the war of 1812. He m. Pub. Nov. 12, 1813, Sophia 
Walton both of Wa}'ne, the daughter of Wm. Walton, son by 2nd 
wife Mehitable Lyons. The above history says this family re- 
moved to Dixfield when Nathaniel, sen. deceased at the advanced 
age of 102 yrs. History fails to give dates. Nathaniel, Jr., was 
a resident a term of years in Peru. He lived on what is a part of 
Wilson Oldham's farm, house was located in the field east of the 
ridge road. It was subsequently moved up to the Ebenezer Hop- 
kins place for his dwelling house. 

Children who lived in Peru. Elmira b. Mar., 1818, m. 1861 
Goodin Benson his 2nd wife, having been divorced from 1st wife 
after thirty years of constant union. Elmira was a good wife, 
faithful and true fifteen years till Benson's death. She subse- 
quently remarried Ephriam Eussell of Hartford. She lived the 
last years of her life at the home of her sister, Mrs. Celia B. Lunt, 
Peru, where she d. July 6, 1898. Her grave is beside of Benson 
in Atkins' cemetery. Canton. 

Members of Atkins Family 

History of Wayne mentions Besse families among the early 
settlers of that town. Of them appears the name of Ebenezer 

Besse who m. 1st, Doughty. They had three children, 

Lucy, Cynthia and Margery who m. David Atkins the father of 
Levi of Peru. Cynthia m. Eeuben Besse, Jr., son of Eeuben, a 
pioneer of Wayne. 

Ebenezer m. 2nd, Lucy Kent. Had son Elisha who m. Lois 



Jlis'j'oiiv OK THE Town of Peru 49 

Dexter. They had eleven children. Ebenezer was a soldier in 
the Revolutionary AYar. He was also prominent in civil affairs and 
often in iovm office. He was high sheriff several years. At one 
time he was troubled to get liold of a certain man. He resorted 
to this expedient. He sent a man into the barn in the night 
time, instructing him to l)rad the cattle and make tliem bellow, 
while Besse stood by the door and took his man. He removed to 
Peru where he died as stated. His son Elisha served in the war 
of 1812, and his son, Klisha, Jr., served in the Mexican War, also 
in the Civil War as were his brothers Constant and Samuel. Three 
of this family were living in Wayne in 1898. 

David Atkins was a brother of N^athaniel, Jr.. He was b. in 
Wayne, 1784, d. in Peru Feb. 24, 1859. He m. around 1807 
Margery Besse, b. Plymouth, Mass.. 1784, d. in Peru, Jan. 9, 1857. 
This family settled on Burgess hill around 1808. Mrs. Atkins 
was the daughter of Ebenezer Besse, b. 1753, d. in Peru Oct. 24, 
1846, ae. 93 yrs, 7 ms. He is the only Pevolutionary soldier known 
whose grave is in our borders. Grave and monument in Dickvale 
yard. It is related that when the said Besse was sheriff he was 
required to serve a warrant on a poor woman and take her only 
feather bed for debt. As the law was then, the creditor could 
take the bed, provided it was not occupied by the sick body of the 
owner. Besse started in persuit of the poor debtor; chancing to 
meet her on the way, he promptly told her, "you are sick, go home 
and go to bed." The woman obeyed and retained her bed. The 
sheriff was more merciful than the law. Children of David 
Atkins: Levi J., b. May 20, 1808, in Peru; Lucy M., b. Aug. 2, 
1810, m. C. A. Richardson. Their son died in Truckee, C. L., 
1876; Sylvanus, b. Apr. 14, 1813, m. Pub. Sept. 23, 1855, Mary 
W. Arnold, widow of Rumford, dau. of Joseph Carlton. Sylvanus 
d. Dec. 10, 1904; Hannah, b. Feb. 14, 1815; Elizabeth, b. Mar. 20, 
1817; Lois, b. Aug. 17, 1819; Lucretia Howe b. May 35, 1822, 
m. July, 1854, Thomas J. Demerritt; Owen, b. Apr. 29, 1825; 
Cynthia Besse, b. July 11, 1827, d. June 18, 1829; Cynthia Besse, 
b. Aug. 7, 1831, d. Peru, June 23, 1902, unmarried. 

Levi J. Atkins m. Nov. 17, 1842, Sarah W., b. 1818, dau. of 
Rev. William and Rosannah Woodsuni, Peru. Children :—Mar- 
sellus S., b. Nov. 18, 1844; Ora A., b. Feb. 25, 1847; Osga M., b. 
Mar. 1, 1849, d. Sept. 24, 1864, ae. 16 yrs. ; Pamelia W., b. Jan. 
29, 1851; Roswell C, b. Nov. 29, 1856; Alby W., b. Feb. 21, 1861. 
Wife Sarah W., d. Aug. 15, 1864, ae. 46 yrs. Levi J., m. 2d, 
Clarinda Putnam of Sumner, June, 1866. Had son, David, b. 



50 History of the Towx of Peru 

Aug. 30, 1867. Levi J. d. Jan. 12, 1886. Mr. Atkins was a con- 
scientious upright Christian. His wife Sarah was a devoted 
Christian. They were members of the Free Baptist church and 
higlily esteemed citizens, zealous in all moral reforms. Farmers 
b}^ occupation they were patterns of industry, temperance and 
frugality. They reared up a good family of children who partook 
of the good qualities of parents. Residence Dickvale, adjoining 
the old Woodsum farm. 

Marcellus S., m. Kov. 26, 1868, Sarah W. Lathrop, Canton, 
dau, of Benj. and Abby (Whitney) Lathrop. Children: — Velmer 
L., b. Sept. 8, 1869, m. Elton :N^ewton; Edith L., b. Feb. 8, 1871, 
m. Frank Dickerman, Eumford Falls; Willie E., b. Dec. 1873; 
Alice M., m. Josiah G. Jlall, Peru. 

Alby W., m. j\Iar. 30, 1887, Aurie E., dau. of Orin Hammon. 
Children, Ralph E., Clarence E. Pamelia W., m. Aug. 27, 1879, 
Frank Greene, a machinist, in Maiden, Mass., son of AVilliam K. 
Greene, Peru. Flad son Clifton F., b. Feb. 19, 1881. David 
Atkins, son of Levi J. and wife Clorinda, m. Aug. 1, 1905, Eliza 
M. DoUoff, IST. Yarmouth. Home in Eumford. 

Marcellus S. Atkins was a soldier, Co. I, 1st Eegt. H. A., war 
of '61, promoted corp.; a pensioner at West Peni, and though a 
cripple he works as long as he can stand with a crutch. Eoswell 
C. Atkins was in the regular army nearly twenty years. He 
served in Spanish war, was Sergt. and Q. M. At close of war he 
returned to California where he m. and settled. 

Austin Family 

The family of Henry Austin and wife Hannah came doubtless 
soon after incorporation of Plantation JSTo. 1. Plan, record shows 
their children, Phidelia, b. Mar. 12, 1816; Lydia, b. May 14, 1818; 
Hezekiah, b. July 30, 1820. They were here in 1821 at incorpora- 
tion. All others came after. 

Of the early pioneers was Charles Austin who it is said came 
from Phillips, the progenitor of a long line of descendants in town, 
numerous and reaching to the 5th generation. He m. Polly Bur- 
gess, b. June, 1789, d. Mar. 23, 1853, a sister of Seth, Samuel and 
Ebenezer Burgess. Children: — John, b. Apr. 5, 1811; Luther, b. 
Nov. 25, 1813; Mercy, b. May 14, 1816, m. Alden Frost Pub. Oct. 

14, 1838; Betsey, b. Sept. 19, 1818, m. -^ Mason in N. H., d. 

there; x\bigail, b. Sept. 19, 1821, m. Harrison Burgess; Melinda 
W., b. Aug. 14, 1824, m. Alpheus Burgess; Amanda, b. Feb. 7, 
1827, m. Caleb Walker, Eoxbury; Maria, b. June 6, 1832, m. Zadoc 



HlSTOKY OF THE ToWX OF PeRU 51 

Eastman, Mexico; Charles Henry, b. Sept. 26, 1836, ni. Malissa 
Mann, Mexico. One Adriamia Austin m. John Holland, Feb. 11, 
1858. 

John Austin, third generation, m. Oct. G, 1831, Maria, dau. of 
Samuel Burgess, sen., d. July 19, 1890. Children : — Charles A., 
b. April 5, 1833, m. Isadore Jordan, Eumford; Ellen M., b. May 
19, 1836, m. Edward W. Haines, son of Samuel; Sally, b. July 
18, 1837, d. Oct. 29, 1856; John, Jr., b. May 3, 1841; Geo. W. T., 
b. Apr. 16, 1843; Hannah, b. Aug. 30, 1845, d. single; Edwin E., 
b. Sept. 12, 1850, d. Dec. 5, 1881, m. Laura, dau. of Cyrus and 
Dorcas Burgess, about 1870. Child, Emma F., b. Dec. 20, 1871; 
Harriet E., b. June 10, 1853, a sister to Edwin E. 

John Austin, Jr., 4th generation, m. Pub. April 16, 1865, 
Susan F., b. Oct. 8, 1845, dau. Samuel Burgess, Jr., and Sarah 
Luke. He served Priv. Co. G, 9th Me., 2 yrs., 3 mos., dis. for 
disability. Children :— Chester, b. 1870, m. May 28, 1906, Mary 
McQuillan; Edith E., b. 1874, m. Aug. 2, 1891, Harry Purrington, 
Lewiston. Wife d. Dec. 2, 1892, ae. 18 yrs., 2 mos. ; Orrie E., b. 
1877, m. Wallace E., son of Daniel F. Haines, John iVustin, Jr., 
d. at his farm home on Burgess Hill, 1908. His wife, a cripple, 
survives him. 

George AY. T. Austin, named by Dr. Turner, b. Apr. 16, 1843, 
m. Dec, 1865, Augusta A., dau. of Samuel Burgess, Jr. Child : — 
Lilla M., b. 1872, m. Dec. 16, 1891, John B. Frost. She d. May 
30, 1892. 

Charles A. Austin, the oldest son of John, sen., of Peru, must. 
Nov. 19, 1861, in Co. D, 12th Eegt. Me. Vols., ae. 28, married. 
He d. in service or was discharged for disability in 1862. 

Edwin E. Austin and Laura Burgess m. Dec. 18, 1870. He 
d. Dec. 5, 1881. Children :— Eva M., b. Dec. 20, 1871, m. July 
4, 1891, Lewis M. Knox, son of Algernon Knox. Lewis d. Oct 
26, 1897. Widow Laura x\ustin remarried Frank ^lorse, son of 
David. He is employed at the spool mill in Dixfield. Widow 
Eva ^[. Knox remarried Clias. Pratt. Other children, Emma, m. 
a White, lives in Denmark; Eliza, m. Hiram Howard in Weld. 

Luther Austin, 3d generation, who d. Mar. 19, 1881, m. Pub. 
Aug. 13, 1838, Deborah Stevens of Berlin, IvT. H. She was b. 
April 9, 1811, d. Jan. 2, 1887. Children :—Angelia Vivaldi, b. 
Jan. 2, 1840, m. Nov. 20, 1859, Samuel P. Haines, son of Samuel 
and Polly (Lovejoy) Haines; Angelina C, b. Sept. 1, 1842, m. 
Moses Dunton of Lewiston. She d. 1893; Gertrude L., b. Dec. 17, 
1843, m. Abel Eyer, Jersey City; Georgianna, b. July 25, 1845, 



53 TIlSTORY OF THE ToWN OF PeKU 

m. .loP('i)li nunton, TiSwiston. He d. She m. 2cl. Andrew Harvey. 
She (1. of cancer in Anhurn ; Preston, b. June 32, 1847, m. July 
30, 1874, Lizzie F. More^e. Wife d. Jan. 30, 1907, ae. 53 yrs.; 
Stephen, b. June 8, 1849, m. Xettie Pease, N. Y.; Joel, b. July 4, 
1851; Priscilla A., b. Aug. 3, 1853, d. Nov. 31, 1853: Barlow 
Stevens, b. Apr. 15, 1858. 

John Austin was a noted chopper in clearing the forest. In 
the days wiien it was claimed occasionally that one gallon of i^ew 
England rum would go further than a bushel of corn to bread the 
family, this man would cut and fell several acres of hard wood 
thick growth in a day. How many if the ardent held out? An 
incredible ]niml)cr, as estimated in our day. Touching the bread 
quality of the ardent; the above theory is based on false premises. 
Scientists tell us alcohol does not contain a particle of nutriment. 
Its agency is mechanical similar to a whip applied to a nervous 
horse. It takes so much more energy out of the animal in either 
case, and if continued shortens life. 

Preston Austin, 4th generation, son of Liither and wife, Lizzie 

F. Austin. Child:— Luther S., b. May 11, 1880, m. July 8, 1903, 
Carrie B. Benson, Sumner. Luther S. d. Apr. 13, 1906. Living 
one son and dau. Georgia Anna, m. Louis Laduke, and Angelia, m. 
Philip Lovejoy, both living in Eumford. 

Joel Austin, son of Luther, m. Nov. 39, 1874, Susie H., dau. 
of E. P. and Esther E. (Weld) Gibbs. Wife d. at Alleghany City, 
Pa., Dec. 18, 1881, ae. 37 yrs. Two weeks infant died Jan. 3, 1883. 
Children :— Esther G., b. Feb. 35, 1880, d. July 8, 1901, in Ehode 
Island, grave in East Peru; Ernest is married, res. Minn.; Helen 
Maud, d. 1871, ae. 5i/o yrs. 

Barlow Stevens Austin, son of Luther, m. May 37, 1883, Etta 
A., dau. Wm. A. Burgess and Nancy Fay of N. H. Child : — Wm. 

G. Mr. Barlow S. Austin is a good mechanic. He has kept pace 
with the growth and beautifying of West Peru village on the Wm. 
A. Burgess stand, formerly the Joseph E. Jenne place. It was 
here the editor of the Maine Farmer cancelled his intended visit 
to his correspondent. Sec Jenne family. 

Another Race of Austins 

Justus Austin, 1). 1808, came from Fayette, Me., 1833 or 33, 
m. Xov., 1833, Lydia Hall of Eumford, b. 1809. He died 1863. 
Wife died 1878. Children :—Elbridge Geriy. b. Peru, May 34, 
1834; Eosamond. b. Sept. 39. 1838, d. Aug. 16, 1839; Wm. A., m. 
Dec. 35, 1863. Judith B. dau. Chas. X. York; Sidney A., b. Peru, 



History of the Towx oi-- Pkku 53 

1848. 111. Oct. 18, 1870, Martha J. Eobinson, b. 1852, sister to 
Samuel F. Robinson, P. M. West Peru a term of years. Sidney 
A. (1. a Cliristian. Sept. 22, 1!)09. Wm. A. luul son Frank Sidney, 
b. Feb. 2T, 1866. Children of Sidney, Albert H., b. 1872, d. 1901, 
m. Eva M., daughter of Frank Smith, b. 1874; Louise, m. Eugene 
Haines. 

F.lbridge (i. Au'^tiu ni. Oct. 20. 1860, Emma A., dau. of Jere- 
niiali Knight of Peru. \>. Aug. 2;), 1843. Children: — Arno J., b. 
. I lily ■>■'.. 18 54: 1m win P., 1). 1877, m. Gladys M., dau. of Sumner 
Knox. 

Aino J., m. Bessie L. McEgan, b. Williamstown. X. B. Had 

S(ms. Bion. d. July 19, 1901, ae. G% yrs., and Leland E., b. . 

AVife Bessie d. Arno -I. m. 2d, Alice J. Xewell of Sumner. Chil- 
dren: — Oscar X., b. : Lawrence ('., 1). . Elbridge 

and son Arno are iirst-class mechanics and very useful citizens, 
strictly honest and reliable. 

Philip Andrew 

Pliilip Andrew of England m. Feb., 1825, Elizabeth, dau. of 
Eobinson Turner, sen., Peru. He followed the trade of cabinet 
maker and was a good workman. Children: — Hiram, b. Dec. 9, 
1825. Last known in Mass.; twins, Charlotte and Elvira, b. /Ian. 
25. 1826, Elvira d. Apr. 25. 1826, Charlotte d. when about 20 yrs. 
old: Mary Ann, b. Apr. 6. 1828. d. Mar. 19, 1829: Charles, b. Dec. 
29. 1829. La.«t known in .Alass. ; Mary, b. about 1831, bid otf a 
pauper Apr. 3, 1837, till ae. 18, l)y Elijah Hall for $18. William, 
b. 1835. m. Sept., 1855, Genett B., dau. of A'olentine Mathews of 
Franklin PI. Chi kl :— Philip, b. Aug. 5, 1858, m. May 30, 1881, 
Cora May, dau. of Cyrus Doi r. Children: — Mabel Alfa. b. June 
8, 1882: Wm. Lerov, b. May 11, 1884: Pliilip Winthrop. b. June' 
16. 1895: Mary 'JMielia. b. Aug. 2. 1901. Wm. Andrew was a 
Priv. Co. E. 10th Me. Pegt., served his enlistment for 2 years. 
Must. Oct. 16, 186L discharged May 8, 1863. His first son 
WinthiT)]). 1). ,lan. 18. 1855. Wm. Andrew was a g)(;d man of 
exemplaiy deportment, honest and honorable. It is claimed he 
<l. Xov. 15, 1883. His last son. Wtu. L.. b. Oct. 8. 1861. d. 1882. 
Philip, son of Wm., has been in eharge of grist mill at Dixfield 
a term of years. 

Philip Andrew lived at Peru Center in the house across the 
mill stream just below the grist mill. It is believed he began 
there about the time of marriage and all of his children were born 
there and had a home there till about 183.T. Mr. .\ndrew worked 



0-i History of the Tow^r of Peru 

at his trade away from home most of the time. He worked at 
West Peru at one time. Worked at Augusta in the early thirties. 
He had been there a year or two leaving the family to care for 
themselves in 1835, when they came to want. The mother of 4 
or 5 children then living, believing that the father had deserted 
the family and finding herself physically unable to continue their 
support, broke up the family in 1836, put out the children except 
Wm. then a babe and vacated the mill house, going to the Samuel 
Walker house for rent where Daniel Conant now lives. In 1837 
she left boy Wm. in care of her brother Perkins and went out to 
work. Not long after this, Philip Andrew came round. It is 
not known that he manifested any care or concern for his children. 
It appears the most he wanted was to add to their number, but he 
had lost the opportunity. The mother went down to Canton 
mountain before this. Two of her aunts lived tliere, Peggy Turner 
who m. a Eobinson and Hannah m. a Childs. 

Philip Andrew like a mule had no pride in ancestry and no 
regard for posterity. At the breaking of the Andrew family tlie 
children were scattered. Hiram lived with Hiram Wormell on 
the Harlow farm at Worthly Pond a short peiiod. Charlotte 
lived with Wm. Berry at Canton a term of years and died there 
around middle forties. Charles when last known was in Mass. 
Mary lived a sliort time with Elijah Hall who left town in 1839 
or 10 and Mary is traced to Seth Turner's; there in 1816 at Bret- 
tun's Mills. She finally went to Mass., m. a Lovell. In 1860 she 
visited Peru with her son about six years old and went witii writer 
to see her brother Wm., then married and living in Franklin; 
found his wife and was entertained. Wm. was away several miles 
and she did not see him. This Avas the last known of Mary. 
Wm. when young went to live Avitli Elbridge G-. Hall on the 
Thomas Burgess place where he grew up. 

Mr. Andrew's visit was short. The next known of him lie re- 
turned to Perkins Turner's some little time after with another 
woman as wife. He claimed he had been on a visit to England. 
It is thought he went to Bethel to live. We are unable to trace 
him further, except his earlier career which was somewhat novel. 
Subsequent to the events related the mother of Philip's children, 
remarried one Obed GrifRth, a resident of Hartford, a man desti- 
tute of property and feeble in body. Perhaps they made a com- 
fortable living during their wedded life. This ended in the early 
forties when Obed died and Elizabeth Griffith came to want on the 
town of Hartford. Around the vear 1813 said town served a 



HiSTOEY OF THE TOWIST OF PeEU 55 

pauper notice on Peru, as her pauper residence. This in due time 
was followed by a suit at law i'or the support of said pauper. The 
question at issue wliich town was her pauper residence. Legal 
counsel said if she was tiie legal wife of Andrew she was Peru's 
pauper, otherwise Hartford's. 

Hartford began a suit against Peru in spring of 1815 entered 
probably March term of court at Paris. After due notice a special 
town meeting in Peru was called to see what action should be 
taken. In May of that year it was voted to leave the matter in 
the hands of the selectmen subject to their discretion. The term- 
mal point of this ease was whether or not Andrew had a wife liv- 
ing in England at the date of his marriage to Elizabeth Turner. 
Philip Andrew when sober was very reticent, and had never 
divulged au3'thing touching his life and acts in his native country. 
It happened however that his wife's brother, Eobinsou Turner, Jr., 
slept with him one night several years before these events at a 
hotel in Bangor, when Andrew was intoxicated and he mumbled 
words in his sleep that led his bedfellow to suspect there had been 
a marriage in England. The town based their hope of defense 
solely upon this incident. Had those bedfellows occupied separate 
beds that suit at lav/ would have been settled outside of Paris court 
house, and Peru wottld have accepted the pauper. To gain the 
case was estimated wortli a thousand dollars. The pauper died 
in June, 1858. The selectmen decided to send an agent to Eng- 
land to hunt for record of Philip Andrew and family, if any, in 
England. They emplo3'ed Eobinson Turner, Jr., their to^^^l agent. 
He left home on the trip the last of May, 1815, and returned in 
just eight weeks to a day. He hunted the records in three cities, 
Liverpool Manchester and Stockholm, and found evidence that the 
identical Philip Andrew had a wife and children living in Eng- 
land at the date of his marriage to tlie said Elizabeth Turner. 
The document evidence thus obtained won the case in favor of 
Peru and cost about $"<^00 expense of agent. The lawyers were 
Seth May for Hartford and Mr. Codman of Portland for Peru. 

Solomon T. Alden 

Solomon T. Alden. m. Caroline Hosley sister of John Hosley, 
Dixfield. He belonged to Livermoi'e family of Aldens. He came 
in possession of Hall's ferry and farm adjoining in 1811 and con- 
tinued over twenty years to run the ferry, do farm work and shoe- 
making. Children : — James Almon, b. ISFov. 5, 1841 ; Belinda M., 
b. Apr. 13, 1843, m. Pub. Dec. 29, 1862, Calvin Holland: Eudora 



5G History of tiij-: I'ow.v of-' Pkel' 

P. II.. b. Sept. 10. KSKJ; Emma F., h. May L^3, 1851. This family 
lei't town around the year IHIU. Tlie next owner was Leonard H. 
Blown. 

Salmon Andrews 

Sahnoii Andrews, son of John Andrews, m. Clarissa Eedin, 
a sister of John Redin. Cliildren : — John, who was in the Civil 
War, Mnst. Co. I), 12th Me., Xov. 15, 1861, age 28 yrs. He m. 
Lydia Howe and removed to Mass.; Sei'ena, b. 1829, d. Oct. 1(5. 

18-17. 

Richard Anderson 

IJichard Anderson, m. Sept. 22, 1822, Lucy Tuttle, both of 
Peru. Children :— Daniel Tuttle, b. Jan., 1823 ; Susannah, b. Oct. 
19, 1825; Louisania, b. Jan. 5, 1828; Goin K., b. Nov. 21, 1830; 
^\m. West, I). Mar. 2, 1834; Lucy Ellen, b. July 7, 1841. Probably 
the last named fainily left town in the forties. 

Almon Andrews 

Alraon Andrews, son of John, b. 1816, m. Xov. 27, 1838, Maiy 
H., b. 1819, dau. of Thos. S. Lord, a soldier of 1812 war. Chil- 
dren:— James H., b. 1810, soldier Co. D, 12th Me., d. 1862 in ser- 
vice: \Yw. \V.. b. 1814, soldier Co. I), 12th Me., d. 1862 in service; 
Henry Herbert, b. 1854. rn. Mary Pitta Wing, b. 1854, dau. of Chas. 
A. Vring of Monmoutli. They had children. Viva M., b. 1885, d. 
Sept. 22. 188'», ae. 4 yrs.. 3 mos. ; and Tva M.. b. 1895, d. -895. 

Alnum Andrews, d. 1888. His wife d. May 7. 1906, ae. 78 yrs. 
Their s('n Charles ni. Xellie J. Bowker. 

Bdin Oct. 28. li)10, to the wife of Ernest Andrews a son. 

Alnion Andrews was brother to Salmon Andi'ews. Alnion 
Andiews and wife were upright, a good class of citi/;ens. All of 
tlie Andrews families were farmers living in Franklin plantation in 
its day. 

Rev. Alonzo A. Abbott 

Pev. Alonzo A. Abbott b. in IMantation No. 2, now town of 
Sumiu'r, Nov. 24, 1827, the son of Daniel Abbott, a soldier of the 
war of 1812, ni. in Hartford, 1818, Fidelia P. Putnam, dau. of 
James •I^^tnam, h. in (Jroton. Mass., and Betsey Ames of Canton. 
They moxi-d from Hartford to Peru in the fall of 1861 and con- 
tinued in vicinity. Wife was 1). 1828, d. 1901. X() children. 
The sul)ject of tliis sketch was a self-nuule man. U\< carlv edu- 
cation wa-' limited, bfin'.^ e(»nlincd to the district sehool : but he 



HiSTOKY OF TlfE ToWX OF PeKU 57 

■wa.-; not to be restrained for want of literary advantages. Xature 
endowed liim with oratorical and rare ministerial ability. He 
was al)le witli little stmly and practice to outdo tlie majority .of 
institute i^'raduates. He preached extemporaneously with a zeal 
wortliy of the cause. But few diyines have been as popular witli 
the masses. His circuit of labor extended from Lewiston to the 
great lakes and from Sandy river to New Hampshire. His active 
ser\ice in the ministry covers a period of half a century. In addi- 
tion to social meetings and regular church service, he attended 
over fifty baptisms, married over four hundred couple and preached 
over tliirteen hundred funeral sermons. Only about one hundred 
of these were persons of liis persuasion, known as Second Advent 
^society. It may be justly said that he was not prompted in his 
labors by pecuniary gain. On the contrary, like Paul of old, he 
preached for the love of the cause as did Eev. Woodsum and Eev. 
Wyman. resident townsmen who preceded him in pai't. They all 
got small remuneration of money value, though they were long and 
faithful in service. Cod blessed their labors. !N"early the whole 
town under their leadership became a church going people, who 
held these ministers in high esteem and sliowed respect for the Sab- 
bath. Their teaching and exemplary lives exerted a marked influ- 
ence on all classes old and young in the development and forma- 
tion of character. This prepared the ])eople for the moral reforms 
soon to be inaugurated, and when prohibition became a law. Peru 
wa-"- ready to obey its mandates. The community became noted 
foi' temperance and sobriety. Industry and general ])io^:perity 
followed. Xo liquor agency in town since the Maine law, when 
drunken broils and lawsuits ceased. Xo lawyer tried to live here 
io practice his profession. 

Andiew Abbott, brother of Iiev. Alonzo A. Aijbott, ni. around 
1830, Rachel, daughter of John Peddin. Wife d. Dec. 'ii), 1810. 
Children :— Sarah Abbott, b. Dec. 8, 1831, in Xo. 2, m. a Mr. Cole, 
living in Mass. :Cyrus Abbott, b. Dec. 2. 1839. m. and d. on coast 
of Elaine "^O-?.") years ago, around 1885. The Pev. Alonzo A. 
Abbott carried on farming and stock raising on his faini in Frank- 
lin ])lantation over twenty yeai'S. up to his wife's death in 1!)()4, 
it being now a pait of Peru. Piior to this, his residence was in 
Peiu. Re always ke}>t open doors and was noted foi- hospitality, 
generosity, affability and sociability. His health failing, among 
the last of his ministerial services he preached the funeral sermon 
of AVm. H. Trask at head of Worthly pond Apr., 1903. Eev. 
Abbott is the last of the old tiiue ministers in this section of 



58 History of tile Towx ov Peru 

Oxford county. He was called to his reward Feb. 38, 1909. He 
has fought a good fight, has kept the faith, hence there is laid up 
for liini a crown- of righteousness. 

Another Race 

Erastus Abbott, b. Jul}^ 1817, m. Mar. 21, 1843, Lydia Ann. 
Akeley of Lancaster, N. H. He was the son of Isaac Abbott and 
Susan Alley, b. Lancaster, N. H. Children : — Geo. Abbott, b. Apr. 
20, 18i5; Erastus T., b. Oct. 17, 1849; Lydia E., b. July 29, 1851; 
Mary Rosan, b. Aug. 25, 1856; Oreanna E., b. May 3, 1858, died 
Aug. 17, 1875; Eoena S., b. Mar. 4, 1860, ni. son of Eobert Town- 
send in Oxford; Tryphena E., b. Apr. 5, 1862, d. Dec. 17, 1883; 
Julia J., b. Apr. 3, 1864, d. May 30, 1896; Albert Winfield, b. Dec. 
17, 1866, d. Mar. 19, 1886. Wife, Lydia Ann. d. Feb. 22, 1867. 
This family came to Franklin plantation, 1852. Erastus m. 2nd, 
Oct. 9, 1870, jSTancy C, daughter of Wm. Piper, and the widow 
of Thomas Wyman, a soldier in war of 1861, Co. H, lOtli Me. 
Children: — Lee L., b. Sept. 21, 1871; Althea Nancy, b. jSTov. 2, 
1873, d. Jan. 6, 1875; Fremont Q., b. Nov. 14, 1875. Erastus died 
Oct. 21, 1905, at his daughter's, Mary R. Oldham. Wife d. Jan. 
12, 1903, in Mass. 

Mr. Abbott was a useful and respected citizen. By occupation 
he worked farming and when tbe melting snow afforded flood of 
water in his mill brook, he tended a rickety up and down saw 
mill. 'No one but a genius can saw lumber well, even, smooth and 
true with such equipment. Mr. iVbbott filled the place with ease, 
doing the best of work. Daughter Mary R., by 1st wife m. 1st 
Isaac Hopkins, soldier war of 1861, Co. F, 23d Regt. Me.. A'ols. 
He died. She m. 2nd, Daniel Wilson Oldham of Peru, a ])r!is- 
perous farmer on Ridge road. Farm embraces the Ichabod Ben- 
son lot. Dan. Bertha E., by Hopkins, m. Sylvester Searls in Wilton. 
Isaac Hopkins was son of George Hopkins. He d. Apr. 25, 1880. 
Geo. Hopkins was tbe son of Peter, Jr., 2nd. See Capt. Peter. 

Joseph A. Arnold 

Joseph A. Arnold, b. Runiford, son of Samuel, b. Mass., and 
Mary (Carleton b. Byron) Arnold, m. 1st Georgie Stevens. 
Children :—Willard S., b. 1878, m. Dec. U, 1901, Osca M. Child 
(divorced) dau. of John A. Putnam; Joseph A., b. 1884. m. Apr. 
17, 1909. Daisy B. Dwinal of Minot. Wife Georgie Stevens d. 
1884, in Rumford. Joseph A. m. 2nd, Xov. 22, 1884, Ada M., 
dau. of Wm. A. and Xancy Burgess. Xo issue. Husband d. Xov. 



History of the Town" of Peku 59 

25, 1904, ae. 57 yrs. Mr. Arnold came from Rumford to West 
Peru. His first occupation was a village blacksmith. This he 
followed faithfully and well a few years after his last marriage. 
Mr. Arnold was an upright, exemplary Christian, a strong pillar 
in the church, an active useful citizen. 

Arnold Bros, are doing an extensive business at the old stand 
in grain, feed and flour, also cany on a repair shop of carts, car- 
riages and bicycles. Willard A. has served as town clerk and tax 
collector a term of years very satisfactorily. Mrs. Ada M. Arnold, 
a very exemplary lady, has her home in the family and with her 
sister, Mrs. Ida J. Demeritt at West Peru Till. 

Baileys 

Brady and ^ancy Bailey. He was b. around 1770 and d. Sept. 
19, 1856. His wife d. July 7, 18G2. This family was in the 
township before the incorporation of Plantation N"o. 1 in 1812. 
His name first appears on the record of meeting Apr. 6, 1813. 
Children :— Samuel Lunt, b. July 1, 1798, m. 1818, Charlotte 
Brackett, b. 1799, dau. of Maj. Wm. Brackett by 1st wife, d. June 
19, 1890; Brady, Jr., b. Apr. 7, 1804, d. July 13, 1873, m. Pub. 
May 29, 1837, Marinda, dau. of Zadoc Fobes of Peru. Her 
mother was Judith Eoberts, sister to Seth. Her father was brother 
to Benj. and x\rza Fobes. The Fol)es family came from Buckfield. 
Benj., the first settler, came before 1821 with wife and seven child- 
ren. The children of Samuel L. Bailey were Wm., Ij. Xov. 13, 
1818, d. Jan. 22, 1821: \Xm., b. Xov. 19, 1821; Betsey, b. Dec. 20, 
1823, d. Mar. 20, 1904, m. Pub. 1851, Henry S. Mclntire; Gilbert 
Hathaway, b. May 18, 1828, d. Feb. 7, 1894; Lydia Salmon, b. 
June 23, 1830, m. Adrian, son of Seth Roberts; Cornelius Holland, 
b. Mar. 23, 1832, m. I.ydia Perry in Turner; Xancy, b. May 20, 
1834, m. Xewton Perry, Pes. Turner ;Susan Fobes, b. Xov. 7, 1836, 

m. Haskell; Emeline Augustus, b. June, 1839, m. Xov. 

21, 1861, Wm. Lombard; Samuel Stillman, b. Jan 25, 1844, killed 
in army, battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 23, 1862. 

Grandchildren of Samuel L. Bailey. Plis oldest son, Wm., b. 
Xov. 19, 1821, is reported to be living in "Windham, 1907. He m. 
Feb. 6, 1850, Emeline, b. March 16, 1818, d. July 16, 1854 dau. 
of Merrill and Rachel Knight, Jr.='= Tlieir children: — ^la^y Caro- 
line, b. Sept. 1, 1852; Catherine, b. Apr. 16, 1854; Samuel Henry, 
b. June 29, 1858 ; Frances Jane, b. Apr. 29, 1856. 



Grave of Emeline beside parents in Knight cemetery. 



(60 History of tiik Towx of Peru 

(iilbert Ifatlunvay Bailey, b. May IS, 1828, m. in the late fifties 
Ellen Enberts, b. Mar. 18, 1838. d. Dec. 9, 1862, dau. of Kenj. and 
Mercy (Tuttle) Roberts. Child:— Addie M., b. Mar. 25, IHrA). 
Mr. Bailey was a soldier Co. K, 29tli Me. Inf. He m. 2nd, Sept. 
22, 1867, Maria E. Chandler at Belgrade, Me. N"o issue. He 
lived and died at his residence on Water street. Auburn, ^le., 
where he accumulated a good property. He was overseer in tha 
factory a term of years. 

Children of Cornelius H. and Lydia (Perry) Bailey: — Joel 
Leslie, h. Aug. 1, 1859, m. Althea Davis. Have son, Fred M. ; 
Emma, m. Harvey Yerrill ; Annie, m. Orin M. Bailey, no issue. 

Emeline A. Bailey, m. Nov. 21, 1861, Wm. F. Lombard, b. 
Harrison, Me., 1834, son of Joseph and Mary Lombard, d. Apr. 
3, 1907. Wife d. 1872. Child :— Winnie Frances, b. Apr. 28, 
1862, m. Geo. 0. Tufts. Living Turner St., Auhurn. Mr. Lom- 
bard m. 2nd, Mary B. Temple, Lewiston. He served in Co. D, 
16th Me. till close of war when he resumed carpenter trade. He 
lielped rebuild Portland after the great lire around 1870. Worked 
there 2 or 3 yrs. ; thence removed to Lewiston where he was fore- 
man and general manager of the contracting firm of Smith and 
Miller 6 yrs. His health failing he removed to Limestone, Aroos- 
took county, where he remained a term of years. He d. at Auburn. 

The children of Brady, Jr. and Marinda Bailey were Victoria, 
b. Mar. 22, 1839, m. Pub. N"ov. 11, 1856, Algenon S. Knox; Mans- 
field Grover, b. Jan. 22, 1843; Leonard Atkins, b. Mar. 25, 1848; 
Betsey Flavilla, b. May 5, 1853. 

Grandchildren of Lydia Salmon (Bailey) Roberts: — Gilbert, 
Oscar, Ida, Etta Everett. Child of Xancy Bailey Perry :—Edelia, 
m. Ernest Dillingham. No issue. Wife d. Child of Susan Bailey 
Haskell : — Lena, m. 

Major Wm. Brackett 

Maj. A\'illiaiii Brackett came soon after the Walker family. 
His farm lay between AVm. Walker, Jr.'s and Merrill Knight's on 
the river road, now owned by Evander Bert Knox whose wife is 
a great giandchild by Bracketfs first wife, Betty Walker before 
marriage. Wm. Brackett, born 1752, was the son of Thomas and 
Mary (Snow) Brackett who weie m. n-fl and he was a soldier 
at Louisburg in 1745. They had sons. — John Snow, 1). 1749; 
William, b. 1752, a Revolutionary soldier; Peter, b. 1756. a Revo- 
lutionarv soldier: and dausrhtei's. ^faiv, Anna and Hannah. 



History of the Towx of 1'eru 61 

The above Thomas was a son of Zachariah Braekett and all we 
can learn of him "he went back to Hampton because of an unhappy 
marriage to a second wife named Mary Eoss in 1741." Zachariah 
was a son of Anthony who lived on the Deering farm. He was 
captured there by the Indians in 1676, and afterwards escaped, 
going to Portsmouth, N. H., where he had formerly lived. At a 
later date unknown, he returned to the Deering farm and was 
killed there in 1689, evidently ))y the Indians. See extract from 
Indian history. 

It may gratify some one to learn that Maine's noted statesman, 
Thomas Braekett Keed, had this strain of Braekett blood in his 
veins. His great grandfather, Thomas Eeed, married the daughter 
of Thomas Braekett Avho was the father of our Maj. Wm. Braekett. 
Wm. Brackett's sister became the great grandmother of Thomas 
B. Eeed and there he got his name in full, Thomas Braekett Beed. 

From Indian War History 

One Simon, an Indian who had taken this name and wlio wa& 
called by his associates the "Yankee Killer," boasted that he had 
shot many a white man and that he had never failed but once in 
striking his victim to the ground. Early in Aug., 1676, this 
Simon, with a party of savages, entered the house of Anthony 
Braekett in Falmouth. They seized all the weapons in the house 
and bound Mr. Braekett, his wife, five children and a negro ser- 
vant. Mrs. Brackett's brother, Nathaniel Mitten, made some slight 
resistance and they instantly killed him. The unhappy captives 
were all carried away by the savages. Circumstances indicate that 
Mr. Braekett had by his fair dealings won the confidence of the 
Indians and therefore they spared his life and the lives of tlie 
members of his family. Braekett occupied a large farm at Back 
Gove. 

There was an ancestor of the Braekett family by the name of 
Thomas Braekett who was killed at Clark's Point in 1676, some 
fifty years before the father of Wm. was born. He m. ^lary Mit- 
ton, daughter of Michael Mitton. They had a son Samuel, b. 
about 1674, who escaped from the Indians. He was carried to 
Portsmouth to his grandfather Anthony's house. Afterwards he 
was sent to Kittery, now Berwick, to live with his aunt, Martha 
Mitton. He m. Elizabeth Botts before 1695. He was a resident 
of Kittery in 1712, ae. about 67 yrs. He d. at Little Compton, 
E. I. From him sprang a long line of Braekett families in the 
towns of Berwick and China. 



63 History of the Town of Peru 

Maj. Wm. Brackett m. 1st, Betty Walker, b. Kitteiy Point, Nov. 
10, 1761, d. July 9, 1823, daughter of Geo. and Elizabeth (Sno\v) 
Walker, and sister to Wm. Walker, sen. Their children here at 
date of incorporation were Betty, b. 1786; Simeon, b. Aug. 10, 
1792; Seth, b. Dec. 23, 1800; Thomas, b. June 9, 1808; Betsey, 
b. 1818, d. 1827; Miriam, b. 1791, m. about 1818 to George Babb. 
Thomas was married and had children. He worked at stone cut- 
ting. He cut the front doorsteps of Ohas. H. Kidder's house, for 
Eobinson Turner, Jr., in 1841. Tradition says there was a Polly 
Brackett Avho m. a Barber. The mother, Betty, d. July 9, 1833, 
in Peru. 

Wm. Brackett, m. 3nd, June 23, 1835, Judith Smith, a sister 
to Henry Smith. She d. July 8, 1811. He was the father of 
Amos and Lewis Smith and others. This family lived in a log 
house on bank of Stony Brook in 1839 where the house of Alfred 
B. Walker now stands. They left town soon after. Children: — 
Amos Smith Brackett, b. May 1, 1836 ; Cyntha W., b. Jan. 19, 1838 ; 
Charlotte and Charles W., twins, b. Aug. 15, 1829 ; Syrena, b. June 
4, 1833; Peter, b. Mar. 33, 1837; Charlotte, m. about 1818, Samuel 
L. Bailey, Peru. The writer is indebted to Wm. H. Walker late 
of Peru for a newspaper clipping containing the foregoing history 
of the ancestors of Maj. Brackett. The records were compiled by 
one Alpheus L. Brackett of Everett, Mass., who states that Anthony 
Brackett, "The selectman of Portsmouth, N. H., in 1640 was 
probably the ancestor of the Maine families of that name." The 
above children by 2nd wife, Amos, Charles and perhaps others, 
settled about Biddeford soon after the home was broken up in 1845. 
They were there Vv-hen last known. Further account of Maj. 
Brackett on another page. His dau. Betty is first on record here 
in 1831. ISTo further knowledge is obtained. 

Simeon Brackett, b. 1793, d. Oct. 30, 1844, m. Aug. 4, 1833, 
Anna, b. Aug. 6, 1801, dau. of Benj. Fobes by 1st wife, a sister 
to Stephen Gammon. Children : — Hannah Pride Brackett, b. Jan. 
26, 1833, m. Oct. 30, 1843, John H. Morse; Sybil Walker Brackett, 
b. Apr. 30, 1834. No account of marriage; Willard, b. Feb. 8, 
1836, d. Dec. 1, 1853; Betsey, b. Nov. 18, 1837, had two sons, b. 
Dec. 31, 1849, Edgar Nutting and Edwin Nutting. No further 
knowledge; Charlotte B., b. Aug. 15, 1839, m. 1st, Edwin A. Lane.* 
They had two daughters; Marilla. b. Jan. 5, 1861, and Lena, m. 
Fred Chase of DLxfield. Lane and wife parted. Charlotte m. 3nd, 
Harrison Harvey. They lived together a short time and each 
went their way. 



HiSTOIiY OF THE TOWX OF TeRU 63 

Xancy Brackett, b. Aug. 2, 1831 ; ]\ririam Roberts, b. Apr. 3, 
1833. 

Alvaiado H. Brackett, b. Jime 21, 1835. When nine years old 
his father died causing the famih^ to leave their log cabin on the 
bank of Stony Brook and scatter abroad. This boy lived around in 
touTi a few jears and when sixteen he worked on a farm at South 
Paris where writer saw him in fall of 1851. From there he drifted 
to seacoast and entered coasting service, the last known of him. 
Bethia Fobes, b. May 11, 1838. 

Samuel Bailey Brackett, b. A^jr. 18, 18^11. He was the last child. 
His father died Oct., 1844, and his mother left their rude cabin and 
with this boy went to do house work for Eobinson Turner some- 
time that fall. They continued there till next spring. Sitbse- 
quently the boy lived with Barnard Marble in Dixfield where he 
was favored with common school advantages. Through Mr. 
Marble's influence and aid he pursued his studies from district to 
high school and fitted for teaching. He taught a term in his 
native district during the war with good success. He next fitted 
for the bar, was admitted and practiced at one time in the vicinity 
of Biddeford. It is said he was able in his profession. He m. 
Mary Frances Smith, daughter of Freeman Smith, late of Mexico. 
He was in the employ of the Bureau of Pensions twenty years in 
the eighties and nineties. He and his wife came on a visit to 
Dixfield, Mexico and vicinity in 1892. They came and returned 
on Wm. Fernald's stage coach near the close of its service. He 
then alluded to our playing together 45 3^ears before. His home 
was in Biddeford where he d. around 1900. Ko issue. His 
widow i? caring for her mother past four score years (1908) on 
the home farm in Mexico. Mr. Brackett was held in high esteem 
for his able and efficient service in the U. S. Pension Bureau. 
His field of labor was south. 

Seth Brackett. b. 1800, m. Oct. 2, 1825, Nancy Starbird. 
Children :—Almira, b. July 27, 1826; Dwinal, b. Sept. 24, 1828, 
d. Sept. 24, 1897, m. 1st, Purse Eastman. Their child : — Herbert L. 

Henry Willis, b. 1844, d. 1907, m. 1st, Mary, dau. of Calvin 
Hopkins of Peru. No issue. IMarried 2nd, Lucretia Doloff, Rum- 
ford. He and his mother yet surviving on their farm on the Weld 
road two miles from the village of Dixfield. Henry W. Brackett 
was a prosperous farmer, here working also at his trade of mason. 
He was b. in this town. His father and grandfather Seth, were 
b. in Peru. Children: — Kloss K. ; Carrie, m. Bid Waite, son of 
Byron Waite, Canton Pt. ; jSFellie, d. ae. 20 yrs. ; Irvin, d. ae. 5 yrs. 



64 History of the Town of Peru 

Dwinal, m. 3nd, Olive E. Thompson, dau. of John X., July 1^ 
1871. Their cliildren :— Margie, b. Apr. 27, 1875, m. John Tup- 
per, have one child; Ida M., b. May 1, 1879, m. Wni. 0. Babb, 
have two children, Glindon 0. and Raymond; Mary 0., b. Xov. 
29, 1882. 

Leonard Valentine Brackett, the 3d child of Seth, b. Jan. 7, 
1837, d. Mar., 1900, m. 1869, Eliza Ellen, dau. of Calvin Hop- 
kins, b. Peru, Jan. 4, 1815. d. 1872, of consumption. ]S'o issue. 
He m. 2nd, Lucinda, dau. of Freeman Smith, Mexico. She d. 
1877. 1*^0 issue. This man followed the trade of mason and 
brick maker many years. He served the public well in his calling. 

Thomas Brackett, brother of Seth, and family lived at the 
Brackett mansion in 1840. His wife's name was Emma, that is 
all we can learn of her. Their children : — Emily Maria, b. Apr 
9, 1837 ; Mary Ann, b. Mar. 4, 1839, and twin Angeline, who grew 
up and married a Hodsdon. Their son lives at Somerville, Mass. 
Thomas, Jr., b. Dec, 1840; Reliance, b. Sept. 17, 1842. In the 
fall of 1845 Thomas decided to remove with his fainily to West- 
brook. His father was then about 93 yrs. old and feeble. He 
expressed a desire to remain at his old home through life and be 
laid beside his two wives on the knoll in the pasture. He wai 
promised that he should be brought there when he died. With 
this assurance he finally consented to accompany the family. Ht 
was not buried there. His son Simeon and daughter Betsey were 
buried there. He came to Peru around 1802, was an important 
official in public affairs a score of years. He d. at Westbrook 
aged about 96 yrs. 

Babb Family 

George Babb, 1). 1794, m. 1818, Mariam, b. 1794, dau. of Maj. 
Wm. Brackett by 1st wife, Betty Walker. He d. Aug. 5, 1878, 
ae. 84 yrs,, 1 m., 23 ds. Wife d. Mar. 16, 1854, ae. 60 yrs. The 
heads of this family came from Westbrook or vicinity and with the 
dau. named were here at date of incorporation. They lived on the 
farm next north of Wm. Walker, Jr., now the TJ. G. Lunt place. 
Their descendants are prominent, prosperous citizens now in town, 
though but a small portion bear the family name. Children: — 
Mary Ann, b. Oct., 1819; Maria, b. May 16, 1822, d. May, 1888; 
Seth, b. Mar. 29, 1834; Wm. b. Nov. 16, 1825. did not m., d. Oct. 
3, 1856; Hezekiah W., b. Sept. 11, 1827; Ellen, b. Apr. 6, 1830, 
name changed to Ella W. ; Louise, b. Oct. 17, 1834; George, Jr., 
b. Sept. 16, 1836, m., d. Mar., 1867, left a son 1 year old, is edu- 



ITi.s'i'OHY OF TiiK Town of Pi-:r.u G5 

cated, named George Babb : Danville D.. b. Jan. 2. 1S40. d. Sept. 
9, 184;^. 

Maria Babb. m. July 30, 1843, Eplt-raini Benson: Mary Anii 
Babb, rn. Apr. 2, LSt-t, Elmore Knight. 

Seth Babb, m. Dolly K. Peal)ody of Canton, dan. of Samuel 
Peabody and Susannah Reynolds, both b. Bi'idgewater, ]\[ass. He 
d. April 20. 1901. Wife d. July 19, 1908, ae. 73 3TS., 7 mos., 23ds. 
Child:— Clinton Eeuel, b. Nov. 18, 1851. 

Leroy 0. b., m. Bessie M. Purington of Livermore. They are 
prosperous farmers on the Albert Griffith farm, E. Peru. Their 
children: — Gladys M., Marguerite L. 

Elda H., b. Jan. 1, 1875, ra. Dec. 18, 1895, Chas. S. Luce, son 
of Henry H. and Christiana C. (Hall) Jjuce, b. Dixfield. She was 
the daughter of Christopher C, the oldest son of Erastus Hall. 
Children of Chas. Luce:— Fred, b. May 29, 1902: John Merton, 
b. Apr. 7, 1905. 

Hezekiah Walker Babb, b. Sept. 11, 1827, d. Jan. 10, 1904, 
m. Nov. 11, 1849, Mary Ann, the dau. of Perkins and Polly (Pet- 
tengill) Turner, h. Dec. 11, 1830. Children: — ^Amos Alphonso, 
b. Xov. 2, 1855, m. July 6, 1884, Ellen, b. May, 1856, d. Jan. 25, 
1905, the dau. of Melville H., b. Leeds and Phebe (Drake) Carver, 
b. Kingfield. Their dau., Esther L., b. Xov. 17, 1886, m. Oct. 25, 
1902, Wm. B. Gillespie. Child:— Winnie Bell, b. Dec. 20, 1903. 
Ina Lillis Babb, b. Apr. 10. 1885, d. July 10, 1885; Marshall 
Howard, b. July 21, 1889, son of Amos A. Babb. Ella W. Babb, 
d. Apr. 5, 1873, m. Aug., 1869, Cyrus Knight, son of Samuel and 
Olive Knight. He was b. Dec. 29, 1826. They had a son b. Dec, 
1871, adopted by George Child at Canton, a short time before the 
death of mother Apr. 3, 1873. Mr. Child named him George 
Child and brought him up to manhood. He m. around 1905, 
Josephine IST., b. 1880, dau. of Henry H. and Christiana C. (PTall) 
Luce of Dixfield. They live at Canton Point. Farmers. He is 
a good industrious business man. 

Louise Babb, m. Mar. 6, 1856, Daniel He,ynolds, Canton. He 
d. May 5, 1872. Wife d. May 15, 1894. Their dau. Lizzie, b. 
1858, d. when about 16 yrs. old. 

Marshall H. Babb, m. May, 1909, Daisy M. Conant. Child, a 
daughter, b. Jan. 5, 1910. 

Benson Family 

The names of Ichabod Benson and wife Abigail Smith are on 
the early records of Peru. He was b. Oct. 9, 1784, in Middle- 



66 History of ttte Towk of Peru 

borougli. Province of Canada, the son of Iclial)od and Abigail Ben- 
son to whom there were b. 5 sons and -i daughters, as follows : 
Stephen, b. 1777, the first child known. Both parents were of age 
this year, indicating it was the year of their marriage. Stephen 
d. 1852, ae. 75 yrs; Polly, b. July 12, 1779, d. Aug. 12. 179.5; 
Clarisa, b. 1781, m. Capt. Wm. Sweet, b. around 1777, d. Feb. 1, 
1850. They lived, raised up a family and died on a farm, one 
mile from Bretton's Mills, Liverniore. Wife d. Dec. 25, 1818; 
Ichabod. Jr., the first named above, was next in the order of births ; 
Waitstill, b. 1787, d. Nov. 1822; Abigail Clock, b. 1789, d. Jan. 
28, 1816, the wife of Ezekiel Holmes of Winthrop, editor of the 
"Maine Farmer." He d. in 1865. 

Joshua Benson, b. 1792, d. Boston Sept. 25, 1871. He is the 
only member of the Benson family known to writer who accumu- 
lated a considerable amount of wealth. His occupation was a 
house carpenter. He married and located on some outskirts of 
Boston, bought house lots and by his own labor erected cheap cot- 
tages that he rented to Irish tenants. He followed this mostl}' 
through life. By tireless energy and rigid economy he secured 
when 82 years old more property than all the rest of the Benson 
family. He had two wives and no issue of either to heir his 
property. His last wife survived him. She was Irish and in his 
decline of health and feebleness, she exercised such rigid economy 
over his diet that it alienated the affection that bound them as 
man and wife. He had neglected to make a will disposing of his 
property till this estrangement long existed and the end of life 
was near. It was at this opportune period that an agent of Bates 
College found him an easy victim and managed to scoop in his 
life earnings. However his wife from some cause became jealous 
that nothing would be left and got a lawyer to intercede in her 
behalf, whereby the testator was pre^■ailed to sign a paper giving 
her the house they lived in. Agreeable to his will he was interred 
in Wm. Sweet's lot in the cemetery at Bretton's Mills. Livermore. 
A monument there bears the names and dates of death of his 
father's family. Ephraim, b. 1794; Seth, b. 1797. No further 
knowledge. 

Family of Ichabod Benson, Jr. — He m. 1st, (date wanting) 
Betsey Goodwin. They were living May 15, 1808 at Lewiston, 
Me., when their first child named Betsey was born. Quite likely 
they m. there 1807. 

Betsey grew to womanhood and though deprived of a mother 
when less than nine years old, she kept the path of rectitude. 



History of the Towx of Peru GT 

\"\lien a young woman slie was employed one fall in the family 
of George Walker doing housework and dressing apples. To show 
the contrast with wage earners of present day, she got fifty cents 
per week, pay out of the store (not a cent of money). Her school 
advantages must have been very limited, yet she was able in 1839 
to teach tlie summer sciiool in the first schoolhouse erected in 
town. She m. Feb. 8, 1830, Robinson Turner, Jr. The next of 
her father's family was John Goodwin, born it is said in town of 
Winslow, March 6, 1810. He m. Oct. 16, 1831, Dorcas Smith, 
b. 1814, dau. of Josiah and Comfort Smith and Comfort was a 
sister to Amos Knight. The next was Ephraim Benson, b. Wins- 
low or Hartford, Feb. 17, 1813, m. Maria Babb; Amanda Mel- 
vira, b. in Hartford, May 23, 1815, m. Winsk>w AValker; Abigail, 
b. Hartford, Feb. 15, 1817. The da}^ following, her mother de- 
parted this life. Judging the tree by its fruits, we believe the 
parent mother was a woman of some culture, gentle and sweet 
disposition, upright and possessed a Christian hope. Ichabod 
Benson was a member of the school committee in Peru, 1829, and 
moderator of March meeting 1830. He m. 2nd, Apr. 7, 1829, 
Abigail, dau. of Josiah Smith, the oldest sister of Dorcas, and 
settled on the Bidge road. His parcel of land is now a part of 
Wilson Oldham's farm. His occupation was house carpenter in 
prime of life. He built the' Leonard Trask house near head of 
Worthly Pond where his grandson now lives. Benson's wood 
carving is in evidence on the Francis Waite house near Waite 
cemetery. Ichabod's intellectual ability exceeded that of his 
brother Joshua but the latter was more miserly. Both strove to 
be exemplary Ciiristian men. The epitaph of each, cut in marble 
reads "Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord." Ichabod 
Benson d. June 3, 1859. His widow remarried April, 1863, Capt. 
Daniel Hall. She d. Apr. 16, 1882. TvTo issue. She was a 
devoted wife, a good housekeeper, upright and commendable in 
all her deportment. 

Goodwin Benson settled on a lot^near his father. He did a 
little farming and more house building and coopering. His 
children by wife Dorcas were: — Amanda M., b. Apr. 30, 1833, did 
not marry, d. July 6, 1900 at Cambridge, Mass.; Chandler, b. 
Aug. 11, 1835, d. Apr. 6, 1837; Ephraim Chandler, b. Mar. 18, 
1840, soldier in 10th and 29th Me. Regts. ; Albert Stanley, b. Jan. 
26, 1843, m. Nov. 7, 1872, Lizzie Fnderwood of Cambridge. 
Their children :— Ella G., b. Oct. 6, 1874; Arthur B., b. Aug. 23, 
1876. 



(■mS Hi.sToitY OF rnv: Towx of Peru 

I']|>!iraiiii Chandler Be^isou, iii. Aug. 17, 18()9, Esther Caverly, 
1). Sept. 7, ISIS, (laii. of Leonard W. Caverly of Charlestown, 
Mass. Xo i.'^s^ue. Mr. Benson is real estate broker, 3096 Wash- 
ington St., Boston, Mass. See '^nd marriage and death of Good- 
win Benson on anotiier page. He was a generons, upright de- 
voted Christian. 

Abigail Psenson, dan. of Ichabod, m. Feb. 28, 1847, Charles 
Coffin, b. in Shapleigh, Me. They settled on a back hill farm in 
the vicinity ot' Park's scythe factory located on Xewton brook in 
Dixfield. The farm purchase of about seven hundred dollars was 
paid for mostly, as the years rolled on, by the good house wife 
making butter from two or three cows. Their children : — Edmond 
the oldest ; AVinslow Walker, m. at Somerville, Mass.. real estate 
broker. His dan., Fanny Ethel, m. :\Iar. 18, 1901, Wm. F. Plum- 
mer. John P. Hale d. at Mapleton, Aroostook county, age around 
17 yrs. The only daughter d. there aged about 12 yrs. Mr. 
Coffin was a professor of religion of Free Baptist faith, a kind 
indulgent parent. 

Around the middle fifties the head of this family sold his place 
and removed with his family to Mapleton, Aroostook county, pur- 
chased land and made a liome. He lived and died there, around 
1886. His son P]dmond m. at Mapleton and succeeded him on the 
farm. His wife Abigail was at Peru with her sister, Mrs. Winslow 
Walker, when she d. Feb., 1887. At her request she sleeps beside 
her father at his right, in the Jackson cemetery. The lack of a 
marker at her grave renders this notice expedient. She was an 
amiable Christian woman, highly respected by all. 

The marriage tie between John C and Dorcas Benson was 
well kept and life ran smoothly with them for nearly thirty years. 
The children had grown up and were away providing for them- 
selves when the chastity of the marriage vow was broken. The 
seducer was a married man having a wife then living, the mother 
of ten children by him. It caused a separation of Benson from 
his wife. He m. 2nd, Ehuiia Atkins in ISGl, tlie dau. of Xathan- 
iel and Olivia (Walton) Atkins. They lived together happily the 
remainder of liis life, about fifteen years. The last ten vearc or 
about they resided at East Tjivernuire where he was in cliarge of 
Hilman's Ferry. He d. Apr. 27, 1876. His widow lemarried 
Ephraim Russell formerly of Hartford. Their uni :»n lasted five 
to six years and he died. Sl^e survived him, haxing a home in the 
house of her sister Mrs. Pobei't Ijunt several years, till her death 
Julv 6, 1898, ae. 80 yrs., 4 mos. She rests beside John G. Benson 



HiSTOEY OF THE TOAYX OF i*EKU 69 

in Canton cemetery located in what was Putnam Atkins" neigh- 
borhood. Wife Doica? Benson d. in Peru July 17, l,s7'"j, and 
occupies a lone giaxe in Waite cemetery, ae. i'A. Iler son. Eph- 
raini assumed the expenses of her last sickness and burial. Like 
the woman at the well in Samaiia, she went her way and sinned 
no uiore. AMio shall say that the pardon was not the same? 

Family of ICphraim and Mai'ia (Babb) Benson, m. July 30, 
ISf;;. He tended the gristmill of Robinson Turner in 1845 dur- 
ing owner's iiij) to England. He lived in the Wragg house across 
the stieam. He suffered severely from rheumatism the last half 
of life that shortened a leg and an arm and led to heart troul)le. 
He li\ed by farniing uu:stly; the last farm he occupied was the 
Jeremiah Hall place. He was at work out in the held alone the 
afternoon of Sept. 7, 1863, and failing to return at the usual hour, 
he was found witliout life, serenely at rest. He had a Christian 
hope. His was an ui)right and highly esteemed faniil}'. Chil- 
dren: — .Mary A., b. June "^9. 1844. Slie taught school the sum- 
mer term of district Xo. 'i in 181)'.^, 14 pupils, wages $1.'?5 per 
week and board, lu. Piih. June 'i2. 1863, Sanmel Scribner in 
Lewiston and d. at her home the next year of Briglit's disease; 
George Henry, h. Mar. -.^8. 1X17: Edgar E.. 1). June ^'i. 1848. is 
a merchant tailor associated a teim of years with Allen c^' Co., 
dealers in clothing, •;?04 Middle St., Poi-tland, Me. Mr. Benson 
and wife Xellie have a son Charles, a graduate of Bates College, 
nude!' a free scholarship by reason of the hca\y endowment by 
Joshua Benson of Boston, his great-great uncle. He graduated 
at a noted medical school in Xew York. He is a practicing pliysi- 
cian. eminent in liis profession, located at Haverhill. Mass. He is 
married, has one child; Charles Wallace Benson, 1). May 2, 1853 
He was attending school, preparing to enter Bates College, was 
taken sick and after a short period died at his mother's home in 
Lewiston: Wm. D., b. Aug. '38, 1855, d. ae. "? yrs.. "J nios. in Peiu ; 
Howard Chandler, b. Sept. I?. 1860. 

Widow Maria d. in I>ewist(.n. May 1888. inteiied in old 
Knio'ht cemetery. 

(Jeorge Henry i? married and li\ing in ^lassachuseti^. 

Burgess Family 

'J4ie members of this family in I'eiu, Wayne and all through 
Xew England are lineal descendants of 'JMionuis Burgess of Eng- 
land who emigrated to America around 1630 when with a young 
familv he arrived at Salem. Mass. A section of land was o-ranted 



?0 History of the Town of Peru 

liiui July 3, 1(537 in Duxbury. He removed to Sandwich the same 
year and there settled permanently and became a large land holder. 
He served the tovt^n in every office from road surveyor to deputy 
to the court at Plymouth for several years. He was a charter 
member in a church institute there in 1638. He d. Feb. 13, 1685, 
ae. 8"3 yrs. His wife Dorotliy d. Feb. 27, 1687. His grave was 
honored by a monumental slab imported from England. This was 
the only monument set up for any pilgrim of the first generatio]i. 

Second generation. His children were Thomas, Jr., John, 
Elizabeth, Jacob and Joseph. Jacob, 3d son, helped to repair the 
meetinghouse, 161:-J:, and was early a member of the church. He 
inherited in behalf of his son Thomas the paternal estate in Sand- 
wich. He m. June 1, 1670, :Mary who d. June 23, 1706, the dan. 
of Benjamin Nye. He d. Mar. 17, 1719. Children 6. Third 
generation. Jacob Burgess, Jr., 3d son of Jacob and Mary iSTye, 
b. Sandwich, Mass., Oct. 18, 1676, m. Apr. 27, 1704, Mary Hunt 
of Duxbury, Mass. He d. 1769. Children 6. Fourth generation. 
Samuel the 5th child b. Sandwich, Xov. 2, 1711, m. Sept. 5, 1741, 
Mercy Benson of Pochester and removed to Wayne, Me., where he 
d. at advanced age. Children 9. 

Fifth generation. Thomas the 1st and Samuel, Jr., 2nd child- 
ren of Samuel and Mercy Benson Avere soldiers of Eevolution. 
Seth, the 5th son b. 1761, Sandwich, Mass., and Benj., the 3d b. 
Mar. 17, 1751, came to Wayne, 1794. Benj. m. Oct. 24, 1773, 
Fear Wing. He lived and d. in AVayne in 1852, aged 101 yrs„ 9 
mos. His children number 11. 

Seth above mentioned m. around 1783, Mercy Hammon. He 
was a signer of the petition for the incorporation of AVayne in 
1797. Soon after that date he moved to Livermore where he died 
1815. Sixth generation. The 6 children of the above Seth and 
Mercy Hammon were Samuel, b. July 6, 1785, Seth, Jr., b. June 
25, 1787, Mary or Polly, b. June, 1789, m. Chas. Austin, father 
of John, sen., d. Mar. 23, 1853. Ebenezer, b. Sept. 5, 1793. 
Luther b., d. yoimg. Obed, b. Oct. 1, 1799. 

Samuel settled in Peru. He m. 1st, Hannah Hansmon, b. 1785, 
d. Sept. 2, 1843, a sister to Paul, around 1805-6. Their children : 
Elijah E., b. May 17, 1807; Sarah, b. Aug. 1811, m. Gardner Love- 
joy, his 1st wife, Sept., 1837; Maria B., b. Oct. 3, 1813, m. Oct. 6, 
1829, John Austin; Harriet, b. Aug. 18, 1818, m. July 23, 1«36, 
Chas. Frost. Samuel. Jr.. b. July 18, 1821, d. Oct. 2, 1894, m. 
Apr. 28, 1845, Sarah E. Luke of Madrid, b. Apr. 5, 1823. Elijah 
E. m. Apr. 16, 1827, Wealtha Jones. Samuel, sen., the parent m. 



IIlSTOllY 0¥ THE ToWN OF PeUU T1 

2ud, Lydia Lovejoy a sister to Benj. Lovejoy. He d. Jan. 2(j, ISGT, 
ae. 81 JTS., 6 mos., a happy devoted Christian. 

Offspring of Samuel Burgess, Jr. Susan Frances, b. Oct. 8, 
18-15, m. Jolm Austin, Jr.; Augusta Ann, b. July 8, 1819, m. Geo. 
W. T. Austin; Albion Stitson, b. May 27, 1854, m. about 1874, 
Eose A., b. June 11, 1858, d. Jan. 22, 1907, dau. of Tillotson P. 
and Clarinda (Lovejoy) AVing. Their children: — Ismay L., b. 
1875; Leon E., b. 1878, d. Feb. 2, 1907; Lesnal C, b. 1891. This 
man is a miller and grain dealer at Eumford Falls. 

Sarah E. (Luke) Burgess, widow of Samuel Burgess, Jr., died 
at her son Albion's, Eumford Falls, Oct. 25, 1909, ae. 86 3'rs. 

Elijah E., son of Saml and Hannah (Hanimon) Burgess, b. 
May 17, 1807, d. around 1872, m. 1st Apr. 1(3, 1827, Wealtha 
Jones, who d. Mar. 1, 1854, ae. 44 yrs, 8 nios. Children : — Eva- 
Ime, b. Mar. 8, 1828, d. around 1898 in Iowa, m. Pub. July 15, 
1846, Eeubeu Walton (widowed) of Mexico. Had son Elijah 
married in Iowa. 

Parent Elijah ra. 2nd, Mary Elizabeth Eustis, a sister to John 
M. Eustis, Dixfield. Cyrus F. Burgess, b. Mar. 30, 1830, m. June 
23, 1850, Dorcas b. June 24, 1824, dau. of Seth and Virtue 
(Decker) Burgess. Their children: — Emma, b. Jan. 13, 1851, d, 
^oung; Laura A., b. Dec. 13, 1853, m. Edwin Austin. He died. 
She m. 2nd. Frank Morse living in Dixfield, employed at spool 
mill; Eva, b. Mar. 25, 1858, d. young; Emma d. ae. 10 yrs; Lewis, 
b. Feb. 22, 1860, m. Carrie E. Burgess, dau. of Alden F. Their 
children: — Myrtie B. m. Oscar T. Woodbury; Leon F. m. Jan. 4, 
1908, Grace M. Pratt; Florence S. ; Archer A.; Flora M. ae. 17 
m. Mar. 9, 1907, Arthur L. Gordon ae. 23, son of Henry S. Gor- 
don, Mt. Vernon. 

Cyrus F. (divorced) m. 2nd, Mar. 18, 1868, Sophila A., dau, 
of Luther B. Burgess of Temple. Sbe d. May 18, 1892, ae. 58 
yrs., 3 mos. Their children :— Albert A., b. Oct. 27, 1871, m. Xov, 
3, 1907, Ina M. Fish. dau. of Geo. Fish of Dixfield; Ferdinand F., 
b. Jan. 30, 1882, m. ^ov., 1900, Clara F. Whittier, dau. of Wesley 
and Jennie Whittier, the dau. of Luther Burgess. Child b. Xov. 
3, 1906, Christina E. Burgess. 

This family is living with their father Cyrus F. Burgess on the 
home farm, keeping up his home hospitality as age and infirmity 
comes creeping on. Writer found him past 78 yrs. in tlio wood 
lot swinging the axe to fill an order for a car of lumber. 

Alden F. Burgess, son of Elijah and Welthea Jones, b. July 
3, 1834, d. Mar. 2, 1893. from injury to collar l)one sustained while 



72 Hisi'oiiY (;i- Tin-; Tow.v of I'ekl' 

teJi(iiii,ii,' a haiKJ wiiidhiss al ([uaiiy; in. i'uh. l\Ia_v 0, 185S",. Sopfiia. 
A., 1). Wilton, (lau. Xemiah and 8()])!iia (Harding) Hunt, d. Oct. 
2, VJO-i, ao. (U vrs. 4 mos. Cliild :— h^lmer F., ni. ,lan. 30, 1S87, 
C'ai'iie M. Knight of Dixficld. 

'J'lK'ir t-hildrcn: — Oia h. al)out iSiJl, a tine musiL'ian ; ivutli h. 
185) t. Mr. Burgess is a professional embalnier and sexton nicely 
located at Koclq)0]-t, Mass., and popular in his profession. His 
sister Carrie K. h., m. Lems Burgess. Tliey did live at West 
Peru village. 

Jxuing W.. hiother of Alden, b. Jan. 13, 1838, in. .Jan. 18, 

1861, Ann S. Burgess, l^heir dau., W. Ella, h. Aug. '24, 1862. 
Live in New Hampshire. 

Of the early settlers in I'eru the Burgess family was well rep- 
resented by four brothers, KSetli, Jr., Samuel, Obed and Ebenezer 
and their sister Mary or Polly who m. Charles Austin, father of 
John, Sen. Seth Burgess, Jr., b. in Wayne June 25, 1789, d. at 
son Thomas' in J'eru Jan. 2r), 1871, m. Nov. 29, 1806, Virtue 
Decker, b. Wayne, Sept. 20. 1789. d. June 4, 1858. Their resi- 
dence is given on another page. Cliildren : — Eliza Ann, I). June 
5, 1807, m. Amos Bishop; Martha, b. Oct. 20, 1808; John, b. Sept. 
12, 1810, d. June 11, 1891, ae. 80 yrs., 9 mos., 20 ds., m. Pub. 
Feb. 7. 1831, Savila Ann, b. Wayne, dau. of Jesse Bishop, d. June 
20, 1888, ae. 74 yrs., 4 mos., 20 ds. : Hannah, b. Aug. 4, 1812, m. 
Pub. Jan. 23, 1839, George Canwell, Wayne; Luther, b. Sept. 21, 
1814. d. 1883, m. Lucy Decker who is living in Jay aged 90 years, 
with her daughter Lizzie; Loamy, b. Aug. 23, 1816, ih July 11, 

1862, in. aiound 1810, Gardner Lovejoy, 2n(l wife; twins, Anna 
and Williaiu, h. .-lime 24. 1818, Anna m. Aug. 7. 181-5. Goin Don- 
Franklin, bict'ier of Daviii : William, in. Celia Stevens. Cuitis 
Cornel, Leeds; Bet-ey, h. Aug. 19, 1820, in. Dec. 31. 1840, Cliiis- 
toplier F. Lovejoy, brother ol' (hinhier Lovejoy; Melinda, b. Oct. 
25, 1822. in. 1st, Aug. S, 1841, Zebulon Hailow, 2nd, Frank Wing; 
Dorcas, b June 21, 1824, d. Sept. 11. 1904 m. 14, June 23, 1850, 
Cyrus F. Burgess, divorced, m. 2nd Samuel York, divorced, m. 
3d. Oct. IS, 1873, Jeel W. White, his 2nd wife. 

The lirst settler in Plantation Xo. 1 north of \\w. AValker, Ji'., 
was Scth Burgess. Jr., and family. The location v,-as on the farm 
where IJolliir^ Hainnion li\H'd when hi* buildings were l)urned. It 
is between tl'e faim of i 'lias. J. Tracy and the Bishop cemetery 
on the north side of the h.iglnvay. The log house was located on 
-the li-e of land up from tlie road as shown by a clump of a])ple 




m-im: 



HisTOijv OF 'Piii': Towx of I^eku 73 

ti-ees aii(] the relies of the okl eellai'. Jt is related by a daughter 
of this family, that before the forest was cleared her mother knit 
stockings for the children by moonlight out in the door yard. 
While the needles swiftly plied, the ear was regaled by songs of 
Avolf and bear. There was a call to replenish the larder from 
many mouths and necessity impelled the fond, patient mother to 
journey on foot two miles or more at early dawn, toil hard at 
house cleaning all day for one peck of potatoes and carry them 
home at night to feed the family. This woman had fourteen 
children who lived to grow up and their posterity are numerous 
in town today. Mr. Burgess and wife came on foot from Wayne 
following the Indian tiail by spotted trees much of the way and 
bringing wheat on his back to sow, a distance of thirty miles or 
more. 

Children of Seth Burgess, tTr. : — Thomas Burgess, b. Aug. 18, 
18'v^"). d. Dec. 21. 189-^, by tree falling on him, m. around 1851. 
Elizabetli Maccol^iy ; Walter B., b. Xov. 6, 1833, m. I'ub. Xov. 4, 
1858, Mary J. Kichardson, IJumford ; Lydia J., b. Apr. 3. 1837, d. 
Aug. 4, 1905, m. Aug. 2, 1857, Daniel Waterman Knight. 

Seth Burgess was a hard working, sober, industrious man of 
medium stature. (|uiet and easy disposition and deprived of school 
advantages in youth. He was a professor of religion and lived an 
npriglit life. 

We are unable to trace the two oldest children of thi-; family 
fuithci- thai) the marriage of the first. 

Their son John and wife li\ed and died on the farm vvheie 
his son lleniy Roscoe lives on ridge road. Their children: — 
Demiis Bishop Burgess, b. May 11, 1835, d. Aug. 1. 1881. m. Feb. 
(], iS5!t. Oia Ann Small. Kumford. She d. Oct. 17. 1908, ae 
67 yr<. : Deboiali Hatliawav, 1). Xov. 6. 1836, m. May 5, 1858, Chas. 
H. Lovejoy. Peril, now Canton. Their daughter Allura B.. b. 
Feb. !•?. 185!): Cl<,e Jane. b. May 19. 183-?, d. Jan. 1. 1901. u\. 
May 8. 185:). Josiah Frost: Benjamin L., b. May 21. 1844, d. 
Jan. •?7, 1911. m. ()c-t. -26. 18G7. Harriet K. Frost, dau. of ('has. 
Fro-^t: Hcniv !?.. !>. Sept. l"?. 1847. m. 1880 Emma S., I). 1863, 
dan. of Sam") T/0^■ejoy ; Harriet Fliza, 1). Aug. 5, 1851, m. June 
4. 187v\ Adelbert BartJett, divorced. I^esidence, AVoburn, Mass. 

Bet^c^y Burgess, dau. of Seth and A'irtue Decker, m. Jan. 1, 
1840. Christopher F. Lovejoy. brother of Gardner. Children: — 
Leucretia, b. Xov. 22. 1810. m. ^^lar., 186"?, James Davis: Alvan 
B., 1). Mav -.n. 181?: Lvman B., b. Oct. •37. 1844: Harriet M., b. 



74 History of the Towx or Peru 

June 18, 1816; Caroline, b. Sept. 18, 1818; Mary J., b. June 4, 
1852; Lucian M., b. Oct. 17, 1854, Ida, b. Aug. 9, 1856, d. Sept. 
19, 1863; Orodon, b. July t3, 1858; Twins, Geoigiana, b. May 37, 
1861, and Amaleus, b. same date. 

Children of Demus B., son of John and Ora A. Burgess: — 
Lillian J., ni. 1st, Aug. 27, 1887, Adelbeii; A. Knowles, m. 2nd, 
a Mr. Severy in Dixfield; Clara Burgess, b. Nov. 13, 1860; Ed- 
mund P., b. Dec. 23, 1862, unmarried; Geo. Leroy, b. April 5, 
1865, m. Dec. 5, 1886, Georgia I. Farrar of Woodstock; JSTaaman 
B., b. June 29, 1873, m. 1st, Luella Dunham of Sumner. Had 
girl living, divorced. He m. 8nd Mar. 31, 1906, Agnes M. Hezel- 
ton of Sumner. Son Walter E., farmer, residence Hartford; John 
b., m. Nov. 2, 1888, Mary J. Robinson, Andover. Children : — 
Clyde C; Archie J., b. April 5, 1892, d. Dec. 20, 1908. 

Eesidence the old Wm. Piper farm. Children of Benj. L. Bur- 
gess, son of John and wife Harriett H. (Frost) : — Llewellyn E., 
b. May 18, 1868;Horace R., b. Jan. 11, 1870; Benj. F., b. Oct. 21, 
1881. 

Children of Henry Iv. Burgess and wife Emma S. (Lovejoy) : 
Alton L., b. June 19, 1883, m. 1906, Olive B. Gammon of Auburn. 
Child, Henry R., b. Apr. 6, 1907; Lena M., b. Nov. 30, 1887. 
Parent Henr)^ E. Burgess d. June 7, 1910 of cerebral apoplexy. 

Tlie offspring of Luther and Lucy (Decker) Burgess, Temple: 
Children, 7 :— 1, William F., b. Apr. 4, 1810, m. Ruth C. Swain 
of Avon. Their children :— Luther A., h. Oct. 20, 1880, m. Dec. 
31, 1903, Susie Simpson, b. Sept. 19, 1876. Live in Monmouth; 
Tena M., m. Walter Welch in Ramford Falls; Etta, m. Chas. 
Chandler in ]*donmouth; 2, Sojjhila A., b. Temple, d. May 18, 
1892, m. Mar. 18, 1868, Cyrus F. Burgess, his 2nd wife. Child: 
Albert A., b. Oct. 27, 1871; 3, Mary, m. Abraham Swain; 4, 
Augusta L., m. May 18, 1878, Daniel D. Delano, d. Jan. 17, 187!) ; 
5, Laura, b. m. Aug. 26, 1879, tlie said Delano; 6, Jennie, I), m. 
John \V. Whittier, lie d. June, 1902; 7, Lizzie, m. AU'red Shaw. 

Children of Jennie (Burgess) Whittier, 3: — 1, Cyrus Wliittier 
in Peru; 2, Clara A., m. Nov. 30, 1901, Ferdinand F., son of Cyrus 
Burgess by 2nd wife. Child :— Christina R., 1). Nov. 3, 1906; 3, 
Tina Whittier. 

Child of Luther A. and Susie A. Burgess, Bernice Almira, b. 
Oct. 29, 1905. Res. Monmouth. 

Children of Chas. R. and Etta A. Chandler :— Ethel M., b. 
Jan. 21, 1R93. Monmouth. A graduate of high school. Eliza A., 
b. Feb. 3, 1896. 



History of the Town of Pehu 75 

Oirspriug of Thomas and Elizabeth (Maccoboy) Burgess, G : — ■ 
1, L. Jane., b. May 25, 1852, d. in infancy; 2, James T., b. May 
25, 1852, d. Sept. 21, 1852; 3, Henry T., b. Jan. 26, 1856, m. 
Lizzie Odell, b. Jan 1, 1857, dau. True W. Thurston. Their 
children: — Henry H., Merl F., Mark K., Nellie M. Family live 
at Eumford Center. 4, Effie il., b. May 12, 1864, m. Jan. 1, 
1888, Lewis Dunn, son of Yalniore. Their child, Florence E., b. 
Mar. 31, 1892, d. Sept. 22, 1892; 5, Lizzie M., twin sister to James 
T., d. Sept. 21, 1853; 6, Anna M., b. May 6, 1853, d. May 2, 1859. 

The head of this family was the second victim of accidental 
death on his farm. He was in his woods alone falling a tree that 
stood quite near a second trunk. He was standing between the 
trunks when the last stroke of the axe caused the tree to press him 
against the other trunk and hold Iiim there and wlien found life 
was extinct. An account of the event was given in the newspaper 
at the time. It represented him to be a highly esteemed Chris- 
tian, a devoted husband, a kind indulgent parent, and one of the 
best of neighbors, obliging, liberal and generous to the poor, affa- 
ble; he imparted good cliccr to all lie met. 

Elbridge G. Hall of Eumford lived on this farm in early forties. 
He was lifting a boulder from ground using a long lever when 
something gave way, causing end of lever in air to strike against 
neck of Mr. Hall, producing death. 

Marriages 

Xellie M. Thurston Burgess, dan. of Henry T. Burgess, m. 
Sept. 15, 1909, Philip Lowell Pottle of Glens Falls. N. Y. He 
was educated in Lewiston public schools and graduated from Bow- 
doin, 190*). He is the son of Ceo. Pottle of the Board of State 
Assessors. Mrs. Pottle was a gradiuite of Eumford High School. 
Mr. Pottle is superintendent of the International Paper Mills at 
Glens Falls, their future home. The wedding was at bride's 
parents, Eumford Center, Me. Mr. Burgesf lias been postmaster 
also in trade here many years. He is one of Peru's sons, a man 
of high standing. Mrs. Burgess is also one of Peru's noljle women. 
This family came of pioneer stock, honest and true. Tliey l)oth 
do honor to their progenitors. 

<;)bed Burgess, bro. to Ebenczer, b. Oct. 1, 1799. m. Dec. 1. 
1819, Melinda Walton, Mexico. This family were in town and 
had one child at date of incorporation, 1821. Cliildrcn : — -Melin- 
tha. 1). Jan. 16. 1821 ;Farewell Walton Bur^ress. b. Jan. 16, 1823; 



IG HiSTOliY OF TlIK TOWX OF VvAiU 

EowL'is \V., b. Mar. 30, 182b; Charles A., b. June b, 18-J8, d. A})!-. 
15, 185-^ ; Lucy, b. Oct. 29, 1830; Sibyl, b. Jan. 28, 1833, d. July 

12, 1852; Deborah, b. Jan. 12, 1836, d. Aug. 6, 18-40; Kosaniond, 
b. Sept. 8, 1839; Peter Morrill, b. Nov. 27, 1841, d. 1842; Mary 
A., b. Sept. 11, 1844. 

Marriages 

Farewell W. Burgess, m. Rose Bunker. Children :—Willard 
S., b. Dee. 19, 1853; John, b. Apr. G, 1855; Mellen, b. Mar. 2. 
1857; Albert, b. May 5, 1859. 

Bowers W., b. Mar. 30, 1825, ni. Aug. 26, 1855, Elizabeth J. 
Brown. Children :— Cora M., b. Nov. 15, 1857; Flora M., b. Aug. 

13. 1860. 

I-<ucy Burgess, b. Oct. 29, 1830, ni. \'anRanslier P^astnian, 
Mexico, Feb. 20, 1850. Their son, Aldana, b. in Mexico, ni. Dec., 
1879, Alice F.. tlie dau. of Alpheus Burgess. Children of Lucy 
and VanRanslier Eastman : — -Albert, b. Mar. 22, 1851 ; Chas., b. 
May 6, 1853: AVillard, b. Sept. 20, 1855; Anthony, b. Feb. 23, 
1857; Augusta, b. Mar. 12, 1859; Oscar, b. Aug. 30, 1861; Edgar, 
b. May 27, 1863. 

Ebenezer Burgess, b. Wayne, Sept. 5, 1798, d. 1864, m. Jan. 
4, 1817, Celia Atkins, b. Wayne, 1791, d. 1878. Removed to Hart- 
ford. Children :— Harrison N"., b. May 2, 1818. in Dixfield, d. 
Jan. 8, 1901, in Peru, m. June 26, 1837, Abigail Austin, dau. of 
Chas. and Polly (Burgess) ; Alpheus, b. Nov. 7, 1819, d. Apr. 17. 
1890, m. Xov. 22, 1812, Melinda Austin, dau. of Chas. and Polly; 
William A.. 1). Aug. 24, 1822, d. 1901, m. Nancy Foy probably 
LS45. she d. 1848-1819; Achsah, b. Jan. 15, 1825, d. 1880 in Hart- 
ford, m. Apr. 30, 1846. Elisha Burgess. It is believed he was a 
native of Hartford ; Sarah W.. b. July 1, 1826, m. May 28, 1845, 
Andrew Russell of Hartford; James H., b. Feb. 5, 1829, d. July 
3, 1896. unmarried, in Peru; Mary A., b. May 15. 1831. d. May 
2, 1859: Julia Ann, b. Oct. 8. 1833: Eliza Jane b. Oct. 7, 1836, 
d. 1865, m. June. 1861. John C. ]\roody, Peru, son of Ashby and 
Polly Moody. Tliis family came from Auburn al)out 1848 and 
lived on the road from Ripley's mill by the schoolhouse to North 
Hartford. His farm joined that of Ephraim G. Packard. There 
were five or six set of fai'm buildings liere, now only the lr\ing 
Dean place remains, now occupied by John E. Russell. The son 
of John C. and Eliza J. (Burgess) Moody was Edwin A.. 1). July, 
18. 1862. 

Children of Harrison and Abigail (Austin) Burgess: — Darius 
A., b. Oct. 15. 1838, d. Dec. 6. 1841: Elias R., b. Sept. 29, 1840, 



Hi.s'roitY OF I'JiK Tuwx of Peuu ]7 

d. Aug. 9, 1841; Mary J., b. Dec. 23, 1842, d. Feb. 12, 190G, m. 
Pub. Jan. 20, 1867, Sylvester Frost; Darius A., b. Xov. 9, 1814, 
.m. Dec, 1863, Eveline Mathews, dau. of Winthrop Mathews; 
Elias, b. Mar. 2?, 1847, enlisted Co. A, 9th Me. Regt., d. Aug. 4, 
1865; Julia Abigail, b. July 7, 1849, m. Clias. Henry Bishoi^, ^'^^ 
of Cyrus; AVm. Harrison, b. Sept. 12, 1851; W. M. A. Burgess d. 
,Xov. 15, 1881, ae. 30 yrs.; Lenora, b. Oct. 15, 1852; Benj. H.. b. 
Feb. 21, 1855, ni. July 3, 1877, Celia L. Bishop, Jay, dau. of Cyrus 
Bishop; Ellen K., b. July 21, 1856; Otis W., b. Apr, 7, 1856, m. 
Oct. 19, 1876, Emily Farrington, :\rexico, b. June 7, 1857. Chil- 
dren:— Ora L., b. Mar. 23, 1881, d. Feb. 14, 1901; Merwin d. June 
14, 1908, ae. 13 yrs. Julius Elery Burgess, son of Darius A. and 
Eveline (Mathews) Burgess, b. Aug. 30, 1866, m. Susie Horn, 
I^^. H. He was killed on railway at Danville Junction 1905. 

Children of Alpheus and Melinda (Austin) Burgess: — Francis 
R., b. Sept. 12, 1843, d. Sept. 1, 1890, m. Nov. 26, 1875, Alice M. 
Duplenty of Brockport, N. Y., d. Aug. 1, 1896, ae. 48 yrs. Their 
son Clifford Burgess drowned July 9, 1897, ae. 17 yrs, 10 mos. 
Francis E. was a soldier Co. A, 9th Me., enrolled Jan. 24, 1865. 
He contracted disability and was pensioned Mar. 30, 1886, d. of 
army disability and his widow pensioned Mar. 17, 1891. 

Sarah E., b. Mar. 4, 1846, d. Aug. 24, 1890, m. about 1868, 
Daniel F. Haines, m. 2nd, Pub. widow Dec. 11, 1882, Geo. H. 
Davis (divorced). Their son James G., b. Nov. 28, 1887. 

Maria Ann, b. Aug. 27, 1848, m. Mont Babb, Mexico; Polly 
Augusta, b. Oct. 29, 1850, m. Alec Da}^, Bryant Pond; ^lelisse 
Gone, b. Mar. 11, 1853, h. Pub. Mar. 12, 1870, John A. Putnam; 
Alice F., b. Oct. 25, 1862, m. Dec, 1879, Aldana Eastman, Mexico, 
who d. Feb. 25, 1903, Peru; Isabel F., b. Dec. 2, 1855, m. John 
Leavitt, Eumford; Ebenezer, b. Mar. 11, 1858; Sophie A., b. Mar. 
11, 1860, d. Dixfield; Geo. L., m. Dec 5, 1886, Georgia I. Farrar. 
Woodstock; Chas. LaForest, b. Feb. 1, 1865, m. 1901-2, Ann 
Holmes, E. Machias, after 5 yi's. divorced; Herbert H., b. June 
20, 1867, m. Apr. 9, 1891, Edith M. Smith of AVoodstock. Wife 
parted. He m. 2nd, Mar. 7, 1908, Josie B. Baxter, a widow. 

Other Grandchildren of Alpheus Burgess 

Children of Alice F. and Aldana Eastman, m. Dec, 1879, Lucy 
M.. b. Dec 1880, m. July 27, 1901. Arthur H., son of Henry F. 
Floyd; Charles E., b. Nov. 27, 1883; Victor A., b. Nov., 1885. 

Children of Lucy M., and x4rthur H. Floyd: — Walter L., b. 
Sept. 8, 1901; Arthur L., b. Jan. 8, 1903; Arlene M., b. Dec 19, 
1904; a son b. Jan. 1, 1910. 



78 History of hie Towx of Peru 

Children, 2, of Wm. A. and 'Na.ncj (Foy) Burgess of N, H, 
She d. in Massachusetts 1818-9. 1, Eomanzo M., b. Boston Aug. 
19, 1816, m. Nor. 27, 1869, Ahna Jackson, b. Jan 33, 1852, dau. 
of Seth AV. and Elnora Jackson. Wife d. Feb. 20, 1886. Child, 
Maurice W. Burgess; 2, Herbert H., b. May 10, 1848, enlisted in 
Civil AV^ar, went to Augusta, sick there in camp, discharged, d. 
around 1865. Wm. A. Burgess m. 2nd, Sarah C. Zwick, b. 1831, 
d. Aug., 1908. Their children, 3 :— Ida J., b. May 27, 1857, m. 
James L. Demerritt; Etta A., b. Mar. 3, 1860, m. May 27, 1883, 
Barlow Stevens Austin. Their son Wm, G. b. ; Ada M. b. Aug. 
5, 186-1, m. Joseph A. Arnold, 2nd wife. No issue. 

Maurice W. Bui'gess, son of Eomanzo, m. 1st, Stella Farrar, 
dau. of Almon and Henrietta Farrar. Wife d. May 13, 1907. 
Maurice m. 2nd, May 3, 1908, Edith Althea Davis of jSTorth Anson. 
"School teacher." Services at Eddie S. Demerritt's, West Peru. 
Residence Smithville, Bumford. 

Eomanzo M. Burgess, m. 2nd, July 1, 1889, Eose E. Bartlett 
of Mechanic Falls, dau. of Frank and Mira Bartlett. Their chil- 
dren:— Iva M., b. May 2, 1890; Mira F., b. June 2, 1893; Frank 
E., b. Feb. 13, 1895; H. Foye, b. Dec. 19, 1897. The family and 
children of Wm. A. Burgess rank Avith our best citizens in Peru. 
Actuated by high ideals, enterprising and gracious, like all good 
people, their worth is beyond measure. Mr. Burgess resided a few 
years at West Peru. He has a fine residence at Goff Hill, Auburn, 
3Ie. He is doing a thriving business as barber on Main St., 
Lewiston. 

Children of Sarah W. Burgess, dau. of Ebenezer and Celia 
Atkins of Hartford, who m. in 1814, Andrew Eussell: — Celia, b. 
June 9, 1816; Wm. B. b. Feb. 5, 1819; Emma B., b. May 15, 
1851; Wallace A., b. July 8, 1856; Ida J., b. May 27, 1857; Etta 
A., b. March 3, 1860. 

Bishop Family 

We quote from the history of Wa^yne. The first Bishop in this 
country of which we have knowledge is Edward who was living in 
Salem as early as 1639. He was a church member 1615, a con- 
stable in 1660 and d. Jan., 1695. Children: — Edward, Jr., m. 

Hannah and they lived in Beverly, afterwards in Salem 

where he died in 1705. It was his second wife Bridget who fell 
a victim to the witchcraft delusion and was hung in Salem, 1692. 



HiSTOIIY OF TILE TOWX OF PeRU 79 

Edward, Jr., b. 1648, m. Sarah AVildes. Both were imprisoned 
and suffered many hardships during that reign of terror in 1692. 
He moved to Eehoboth, Mass., in 1703, where he died May 12, 
1711. In his will he speaks of Jonathan, his 4th son, b. 1686, 
m. Abigail Avery. Will was probated Apr. 7, 1752. Gould, son 

of Jonathan, b. Bohoboth, ^Mass., Mar. 28, 1712, m. Mary — , 

Mar. 15, 1732 or 3. Squire (the 2nd settler in Winthrop 1766) 
b. Kohoboth, Nov. 4, 1733 and Zadoek, b. there Apr. 24, 1749, 
were children of Gould and Mary. Squire m. Patience Titus. 
He d. Sept. 6, 1801, wife d. Apr. 21, 1802. Zadoek m. Mary 
Rawson Feb. 28, 1770. They had children b. Eohoboth, Jonathan 
and Joseph. At Swansea, Mass., children b. AVelcnme, Jesse, 
Zadoek, James, Mary and Lydia. Squire was livinu' at Xorth 
Monmouth 1781 or 2 and was flowed out. 

In 1783 he moved to Bishop Hill in Deeds. Jesse, son of 
Zadoek, b. Nov. 11, 1776, m. Patience Titus, b. June 12, 1782. 
They moved to AVayne from Monmouth in 1804 or 5, settled on 
the farm of Samuel W. Bishop the son of Jesse, who d. in Wayne 
June 23. 1864, ae. 87. His wife Patience d. Wayne, Mar. 3, 1863 
ae. 81. Both were j^rominent members of the M. E. Churcli 
Wayne. Patience being talented in exhortation. The children 
of Jesse were Demas, b. Apr. 7, 1801 ; ]\Iary H., b. Mar. 27, 1802 
Squire, b. Apr. 10, 1806; Jesse, b. Apr. 29, 1808; Naaman, b. Jan 
1, 1811; Savilla Ann, b. Jan. 1, 1811; Jonathan G., b. Feb. 29 
1816. and Samuel T., b. May 18, 1821. Marriages, Demus m 
Isabelle Faruam Feb., 1823; Mary H. m. Benj. Loyejoy, Peru 
Dec, 1827; Squire m. Hannah Morey, Nov., 1827, lived in Peru 
in the forties, thence in Wayne the remainder of life; Jesse m. 
Lucy Maxim, June, 1834, he lived and died in Wajme; Naaman 
m. Mary Eidlon. Aug., 1832, he lived and died in Leeds; Savilla 
Ann m. John Burgess, Peru, Jan., 1834; Jonathan G. m. Margaret 
W. Clark, July 4, 1846, d. in Sangerville; Samuel T. m. Julia 
True, May, 1845, lived and died in Wayne. 

Squire Bishop, a brother of Demus, m.. Pub. Hannali Morey 
of Wa3Tie, Nov. 20, 1827. Their children :— Eliza M., b. Apr. 26, 
1828, m. 1st, Nov. 24, 1850, Pobert Gowell, Sumner, a Pvt. Co. 
D, 12th Me., d. on ship, buried at sea 1862, U. S. marker in Bishop 
cemetery. Widow m. 2nd, Granville Tracy, lived at Oxford, ]Me. ; 
Charles Morris, b. Jan. 18, 1830, went to Missouri, thence to 
Nebraska, was a soldier in War of Eebellion; Patience T., b. Jan. 
25, 1832, m. 1st, Eollins Hammon, Jan. 1, 1852. Children:— 
Chas. Horace, b. Nov. 26, 1852; Josiah Eldon, b. July 23, 1854, 



80 HlSTUliY OF THE TuWN OF rEKU 

d. Sept. -n, IHi;-^; Ellen, b. Feb. I?, 1861, d. young. Wife 
Patience T. divorced, m. 2nd, Squire B. Hammon, brother of Eol- 
lins and son of Paul; Mercy Morey Bishop, 1). June 7, 1834, m. 
as 1st wife of Osgood Graves, Wayne; William Morey Bishop, b. 
Jan. 29, 1836, d. in army, 1861-5; Abiah Ellen, b. Dec. 29, 1838, 
m. Osgood Graves, his 2nd wife, in Wayne; Squire Francis Bishop, 
b. Nov. 30, 1843, was soldier war of 1861, d. at close of war in 
Wayne; Josiah Manley, b. Oct. 25, 1845, d. in army at Bed River. 

This family were residents of Peru in the forties. Record of 
Squire Bishop as highway surveyor 1843 ; Com. of building 
bridge near Adam Knight's mill 1849. He was tax collector sev- 
eral years and held other offices. He was a man of integrity and 
commendable motives. He removed to Wayne about 1850. 

The progenitor of Bishop family in Peru was Jesse Bishop, 
sergeant in Capt. Jacob Haskell's Co., 4th Regt. Me. Militia of 
Wayne in service at Wiscasset, Bath and ^•icinity in 1814. He 
m. Patience Titus. Their son Demus. b. Apr. 7, 1801, d. in Peru 
Dec. 3, 1892, m. in Wayne, Mar. 16, 1823, Isabel C. A'arnmn, b. 
May 21, 1805, d. July 6, 1876, in Peru. Children :— Cyrus, b. 
July 8, 1824, d. Mar. 23, 1908, m. Celia D., b. Apr. 17, 1826, the 
dau. of Rev. Chas. and Charlotte (Weaver) Bisbee; Demus Farnum 
Bishop, b. July 26, 1826, d. Apr. 16, 1882, m. Mar. 17, 1855, 
Hannah B. b. June 1, 1828, dau. of Benj. and Mary H. (Bishop) 
Lovejoy; Jesse Bishop, b. July 2, 1829, d. Oct. 6, 1904, Pvt. Co. 
C, 29th Regt. Me., taken prisoner at Red River, held 4 mos., m. 
July 31, 1873, Angeline Butterfield of Woodstock; Wm. H. Bishop, 
b. May 6, 1833, d. Jan. 19, 1900, m. 1st, Sophia, dau. of Jesse 
Bishop, Jr., of Wayne. Wife died, m. 2nd, Lucy Butterfield of 
Woodstock. Their children: — Roland Irish, d. ae. about 11 mos.; 
Cora B., d. ae. around 14 yrs. ; Celia Davis Bishop, b. Feb. 16, 
1836, m. Nov. 5, 1854, Chas. B. Lovejoy in East Abington, Mass. 
Their son Elmer Lovejoy, b. Bethel, Oct. 27, 1862. Superin- 
tendent of Pond R. T. Ry. since 1896. 

Peru is proud of her sons and grandsons who have reached 
high attainments ; have developed a genius that enables them to do 
things with ease that are hard and difficult. Proud of the mothers 
who inspire their sons and daughters to seek high ideals. 

Mr. Tjovejoy though born in a neigh])oring town is the offspring 
of one of our fair daughters, born and bred in Peru and her 
father was one of the first pioneers to clear the wilderness around 
Dickvale. 



History of the Towx of Peru 81 

Xathan S. Bishop, b. Feb. 17, 1842, d. Feb. 24, 1896, ni. Xov. 
22, 1863, Emma J. Elliott of Euraford. Their children :— Frank 
E., b. Jan. 13, 1864; Cola E., b. Xov. 11, 1865, d. Apr. 4, 1867; 
Dana E., b. Sept. 16, 1868; Elva; Xathan S., Jr., b. June 1. 1873. 
Frank E. m. 1st, Aug. 21, 1884, Lillian M. dau. of Chas. Carter, 
Eumford. The}^ parted. M. 2nd, Susan Burgess, widow of 
Julius Burgess. Children : — Laura M., b. Apr. 10, 1885, d. 
May 9, 1890; Dana E., m. Dec. 13, 1892, Lillian A. dau. of 
Bo3'al H. and Mvra (Knight) Small; Elva m. Wallace Hamnion; 
Nathan S., Jr., m. Lillian I., b. Feb. 14, 1875, d. May 8, 1895, the 
dau. of Geo. W. and Esther J. (Childs) Gordon; Julia Isabel 
Bishop, b. Aug. 13, 1846, d. Dec. 25, 1896, m. Feb. 15, 1869, 
Roland C. Irish, b. Oct. 20, 1845, d. Sept., 1892, the son of Free- 
man Irish. Their children, Vernon and Bernice d. young. 

Children and grandchildren of Cyrus and Celia D. Bishop : — 
Chas. H., twin, b. Sept. 22, 1850, d. July 26, 1872; Henrietta, 
twin, b. Peru, Sept. 22, 1850, d. Dec. 11, 1908, m. Almon J. Far- 
rar, b. Woodstock. Their children : — Howard H., b. 1868, m. Apr. 
3, 1892, Henrietta E., dau. of Virgil and Clara (Adams) Fuller 
of Eumford; Gennie Farrar, b., m. Elias Lovejoy, son of Elias H. ; 

Elma, b., m. Silver, Eumford Center; A'ernon; Luellen 

m. Smith, Dixfield; Una m. ,1st. Deforest Delano, 

divorced, m. 2nd, Dec. 19, 1903, Willis W. Taintor, Dixfield; 
Stella m. Maurice Burgess; Manly; Celia; Xed. 

Wm. W. Bishop, son of Cyrus, d. Oct. 21, 1861, ae. 2 mos. 

Children and grandchildren of Demus F. Bishop: — Mary L., 
d. Apr. 22, 1877, ae. 3 yrs., 11 mos., 20 dys.; Melvin Lovejoy 
Bishop, b. Apr. 1, 1856, m. July 25, 1885, Myra M., dau. of Eeu- 
ben Hutchinson, Carthage. Their dau., Blanch J., b. Apr. 7, 
1886. Chas. Henry, son of C3'rus, m. Julia Burgess, dau. of Har- 
rison. Their son Chas. Henry, b. 1872, d. 1900, m. Lena M. 
Bryant, b. North Jay, 1877, d. Sept. 22, 1894, the dan. of David 
and Eliza (Brown) Bryant. 

Bonney Brothers 

Among the early hardy pioneers were two brothers in the ad- 
joining townships. Isaac Bonney settled in Sumner in the open- 
ing beyond greenwoods on the road from Worthly Pond to Paris. 
His occupation was farmer and blacksmith. He married Elsie 
Newell May 29, 1831. Asa Bonney m. Betsey Bisbee about 1825 
as shown by birth in family. She was a sister of Eev. (/has. Bisbee 



82 History of the Towx of Peku 

who came from Sumner. Children: — Isaac, b. May 14, 1826; 
Asa, Jr., b. Sept. 10, 1828; Lydia, b. Feb. 29, 1830; Cyrus T., b. 
Nov. 23, 1831; Chas. B., b. Jan. 13, 1833; Jones B., b. Dec. 15, 
1834: Fanny B., b. Nov. 1, 1836; Thankful L., b. Mar. 16, 1839. 

John and wife Thankful lived on Peleg Oldham farm in the 
middle forties. He d. in Massachusetts. Their dau. b. 1840, d. 
1845; son John E., b. Apr. 28, 1848; Elmin}', b., did not marry, d. 
in Sumner; Abigail 11., m. Nov. 30, 1837, Judson Eobinson in 
Sumner; Stephen; Vesta; Mary; Sarah m. in Massachusetts; and 
seven more. Total 22 children by one mother. Who beat that' 
Isaac m. sister to Cynthia Cary, was a soldier in Civil War, lived 
and died a farmer at Sumner ; Asa, Jr., went West and d. ; Lydia 
living in Sumner; Cyrus T. m. Feb. 22, 1855, Nancy Curtis, lived 
in Canton; Chas. Bean m. Pub. Sept. 27, 1855, Cyntha T. Cary, 
lives E. Sumner, a sldier Co. F, 9th Me. ; Thankful m. a Roberts, 
a soldier in Civil War who d. E. Sumner. 

Cyrus T. Bonney m. Feb. 22, 1855, Nancy A. Curtis. Chil- 
dren: — Frances Deltora, b. Nov. 11, 1855, d. Jan. 7, 1856; Cyrus, 
b. Mar. 18, 1857 ; Harriet L., b. Oct. 13, 1859. 

Jones Bonney was engineer on P. and E. F. E}'. several A^ears. 
Quitting that he was janitor at Aulnirn Court House a term of 
years. In fall of 1909 continuing same occupation at Bates 
College. 

Barrows 

Andrew Barrows and wife, Mary ShurtlifE before marriage, 
came from Carver, Mass., to Hartford, Me., in 1808. They had 
a family of ten children of whom James was the sixth. 

James Barrows was a brother of Andrew Barrows a merchant 
at Canton and Charles Barrows a mechanic. James did mechan- 
ical work several years in a last factory in Boston. He was b. 
July 30, 1808, m. May 2, 1836, Elizabeth, b. Feb. 3, 1808, dau. 
of Horatio Adams, Medway, Mass. Their children: — ^James A., 
\i. July 28, 1841; Mary E., b. Nov. 19, 1843. Mr. Barrows and 
family came to Peru around the year 1853. He bought the farm 
first cleared and occupied by Joseph Conant adjoining the farm 
of Wm. Walker, Jr. The heads of tliis Barrows family took an 
active interest in religion, temperance and all moral refore; Con- 
gregationalist in creed and Eepublican in politics. Mrs. Barrows 
when a girl attended school at one time with Henry Ward Beech er. 
She always maintained great respect for him and would not be- 
lieve the Tilton scandal. 



HiSTOET OF THE TOWX OF PeRU 83 

James A. Barrows was drummer Co. C, 16th Me. He sus- 
tained sunstroke at battle of Gettysburg for which he receives 
thirty dollars per month pension. Increased 1911 to 50 dollars 
by special act through John 1'. Swasey, Rep. He m. Aug. 13, 
1869, Mary K., dau. of Judson and Abigail E. (Bonney) Robinson. 
She was dau. of ilsa Bonne}', Peru. Children: — Abbie Adams, 
b. Mar. 29, 1873, m. Nov. 3, 1897, Geo. H. Haskell; Alvan Stuart 
Barrows, b. Feb. 29, 1876. Gi'aduate of Hebron Academy. Resi- 
dence of famih' East Sumner, Maine. 

Bent 

Mary E. A. Barrows m. Xov. 26, 1865, AYm. Harrison Bent, b. 
Sept. 11, 1810, son of Samuel Bent, Braintrce, Mass. Xo issue. 
He came to live with his aunt in the family of Benj. Allen aboiit 
1850. He served as Pvt. Co. B, 3d Me. Has served as post- 
master at Peru Center since about 1890. His brother Wm. Henry 
stood a draft at the same time and was assigned to the same Co. 
and Regt., 3d Me. The latter went from Dixfield where he was at 
work and the former from Peru. Wm. Henry m. around 1857, 
Melinda. dau. of Daniel and Eleanor (Walker) Sheffield. Their 
onl}^ child. Flora, m. Seth Young, live at Lewiston. Xot long 
after close of the war Henr}^ Bent moved to Lewiston and was in 
the employ of Franklin "Water Power Co. a term of years. He 
was steady and faithful, had an easy job and good i^ay. His wife 
was making good pa}^ as seamstress in a shirt factory. Their 
earthly prospects were most excellent. What would have been the 
outcome had not mother Eve been tempted to partake of the for- 
bidden fruit ma}' be somewhat uncertain, but had not the subject 
of this sketch yielded to the wily snares of an Irish woman and 
the wino cup, no one doubts but lie would have continued a pros- 
perous, happy man, in the bosom of his family, v.'hose virtues and 
qualities were all that heart could wish. Melina Bent d. Aug. 
9, 1906. 

Rev. Charles Bisbee 

iiev. L harles Bisbee came from Sumner in the thirties. He 
built the brick house on tlie rising landscape east of West Peru 
village, now ovrned by Alvah Curtis. Dates are fragmentary. It 
is known he was living there witli second wife. His first wife d. 
Apr. 30, 1845. Quite likely 2nd m. followed next year. He m. 
1st, Pub. Jan. 15, 1825, Charlotte Weaver. Tl^eir children .— 
Celia D., b. Apr. 17, 1826. m. Cyrus Bisho]> ; Geo. H., ! . June 29, 



8L Hl.STOKV OF THE ToAVX OF PeKU 

18-(?r; MaiT, I). Dec. -^6, 1858; Beula, b. Mar. 10, 1832, d. Jan. 4, 
1847; Charlotte, b. June 6, 1834; Andrew, b. Feb. 10, 1836; 
Charles, Jr., b. Dec. 4, 1838; Sarah Ann, b. Dec. 11, 1842. 

Rev. Chas. Bisbee ni. 2nd, Beula Putnam. Her maiden name 
was i^orris, sister to Gideon Xorris. They came from Wayne. 
She m. 1st, Samuel Randall. Pub. in Wayne. They had a dau. 
Eliza, who m. Wm. Babb, and a son Levi Eandall. Beula m. 2nd, 
Stephen Putnam, his 2nd wife. He d. Apr. 11, 1844. She m. 
3d, around 1846, after May 27th, the said Bev. Chas. Bisbee. She 
d, Jan. 4, 1847, ae. 48 yrs. and buried beside of said Putnam in 
the pines on a part of said Bisbee farm. Stephen Putnam m. 1st, 
Dec. 13, 1828, Betsey Picker. 

Geo. H. Bisbee, m. Martha Hersey of Fayette. They lived at 
Eangeley Lake and d. in Massachusetts. 

Mary married and has a family in Iowa. Charlotte m. Jolm 
Holmes; both d. in Massachusetts. Andrew m. Belle JSToyes in 
Xorridgewock, d. West. Charles, Jr., b. Peru, m. in 1859, Olive, 
dau. of Joseph Frazier of Eangeley. He d. Sept. 9, 1905. Chil- 
dren:— Luella Bisbee b. 1860; Ida, b. 1862; Orlando A., b. Apr. 
4, 1877. Was in Spanish war Co. F, 8th Regt., Mass.; m. 1901, 
Mabel Andrews, Dixfield. Lero}' A. m. Aug. 2Q, 1905, Myrtle 
Howard, dau. of Sam'l W. and Emily (Babb) Howard. Rev. 
Almon S. Bisbee, b., m. Sept. 30, 1908, Anna Florence Knight, 
dau. of E. W. Knight, Portland. Eesidence, 5 Knight St., Port- 
land. Sarah Ann, dau. of Rev. Chas., m. 1st, Timothy Partridge, 
lived in Massachusetts. He d. She married 2nd, Geo. Briggs. 
Luella Bisbee m. 1878, Carlos D. Lane, Co. I, 1st IST. Y. Engineer 
Regt. Their children are seven sons, one dau. Chas. A. Lane 
m, Oct. 15, 1907, Sarah B. Colcord. Mrs. Luella Lane, divorced 
1896, m. 2nd, 1908, Arthur Hezelton "widowed." Ida Bisbee m. 
1880, Rev. Lewis C. Putnam, b. Franklin June 16, 1848, d. June 
18, 1899. Children :— Edward Everett, b. 1883, m. Feb. 28. 1904, 
Ethel A. Thing, dau. of Joseph A. Thing, Boston, and Mary E. 
Beckler of Livermore, Me. Residence Livermore Center. Ber- 
nard, b. 1881, m. 1902, Mirtie Dixon, Farmington, X. H. Resi- 
dence Dickvale; Cervier, b. 1881; Lela, b. 1888, m. 1906, Wesley 
Wyman, son of Stillman and grandson of Harrison Wynian. Their 
son Merton, b. July 1, 1907; Ralph Putnam, b. 1900. 

Jones Bisbee was a brother to Rev. Chas. Bisbee. He lived 
on the 0. T. Woodbury farm in tlic early forties. He married 
Rebecca Robinson of Sumner. Their children : — John, b. Apr. 
16, 1839, married, lives in Dakota, has fourteen children. Abi- 



History of the Towx of Peru 85 

gail. b. Sept. 10, 1841. This family and the Rev. Charles left 
town before 1850. breaking further trace. Mrs. Bisbee belonged 
to the race of Robinsons in Sumner of whom several became resi- 
dents of Peru. 

The following arc the children in })art of Luella and Charles 
I). Lane, as descendants of Chas. Bisbee, -Ir. Lester 8. Lane, b. 
Jan. -.^i). 1886, d. Aug. 20, 1889; Stephen A., b. July 10, 1889; 
Cliarles A.: Arthur; Earl: Luanna. 

Another Race of Babbs 

Wm. Babb. I), around 1820. m. Apr. 8, 1840, Eliza, I). 181G, dan. 
of Samuel and Beula (Xorris) Randall of Peru. Wife d. with 
some one of chil. at E. Dixfield, Aug. 8, 190(3, ae. 90 Jts. 10 m. 
Children:— Isabel Bishop Babb, b. Jan. 1, 1841, m. Oct. 30. 1857, 
Orin Haniinon '^nd wife; Edwin Babl) b. Oct. 9, 1842; Greenwood, 
X.. b. Oct. 26, 1843: Drusilla, b. Mar. 6, 1846, d. 1863; Roscoe F. 
b. Apr. 5, 1849, m. Lilla Bibber, live at E. Dixfiebl ; Ada Estelle, 
b. Feb. 28, 1851, m. Alphonso Heselton; Francis Adelbert, b. Peru, 
Apr. 18, 1853. m. Hattie Sinnett in Xew Sharon; Mary Amanda, 
b. Peru July 3, 1855. m. Oct. 1873. Orville K. Walton. 1). Peru 
May 6, 1841, wife d. in Peru, Aug. 12, 1901. Walton is the son of 
Orin and Betsey (Fobes) Walton, the dau. of Benj. Fobes an earl} 
settler in Peru. Orin Walton d. in Canton 1897 and his wife 
Betsey d. 1900; Emily M. Babb, b. Jan. 11. 1857, m. Samuel W. 
Howard, living in Peru. 

Edwin Babb was a membc of Co. B, 3d Mo. in the early 
part of Civil War. He contracted disability that rendered liim a 
cripple for life, a partial paralysis of feet and legs. He m. 1st, 
Arabella Hezelton. dau. of Samuel of Stoneham. He worked at 
harness making a few years at West Peru m the late seventies and 
next engaged as agent in charge of Rockemeka (iiange Store a 
term of years at said viHage. Chihlien: — Burdena, d. ae. 8 yrs. 
at 'W. Peru ; Cora, m. Horace Allen in Waterford. Mr. Babb'f^ 
marriage to Miss Hezelton proved an unhappy union. In character 
and ideals they were not well mated. Mr. Babb was actuated by 
high moral, devout impulses, qualities that were wholly wanting 
on the part of his chosen companion. In the absence of Christian 
sanctity, chastity is unprotected, and passions lead the van. The 
wife deliberately broke her marriage vow and then sued for and 
obtained a divorce around 1882. She married her seducer and 
family jars in retribution soon followed. "Who so diggeth a pit 



86 History of the Town of Peru 

shall fall therein, and he that rolletli a stone, it shall return upon 
him." 

Another Race of Bisbees 

Hannibal Bisbee ra. 1st, May 19, 1833, Betsey Stetson, dau. of 
Elisha Stetson and Betsey Bartlett. He was a separate race from 
other Bisbees in town. He came here and located in the vicinity 
of the range of hills from Eipley's Mill to Xorth Hai'tford. 

Children :—Hulda E., b. Dec. 23, 1838, m. Nov. 20, 1860, Wm. 
Harlow, Jr. ; Elisha S., b. 1810. Worked carpenter, enlisted Co. 
P, 9th Me., 1st Lient. 1861, promoted captain, killed at Xorth 
Anna, May, 186-1, a very capable young man. He framed Levi 
Lunfs house when about 16 yrs. old; Hannibal, Jr., b. 1813. 
Enlisted Oct. 31, 1861, Fvt. Co. G, 1st Me. Cav. Eeturned from 
war, went West, after his marriage Feb. 16, 1866, to Lucy A. Bick- 
nell of Canton. Mr. Bisbee's wife d. Jan. 25, 1851. He m. 2nd 
wife around 1855 and had four children to wit : 

Eussell Everett, b. May 11, 1856; Dermis, b._ Oct. 1, 1857- 
Martin Harris, b. June 22, I860; Lucius H. Bisbee, b. Jan. 12, 
1867. About this date the family moved to Xorth Livermore 
Avhere both of the parents ended their earthly career and three of 
the cliildren are yet living. Mr. Bisbee was an industrious lion- 
orable man, by occupation farmer; m. and d. July 31, 1011 of 
pneumonia. 

Bassett 

p]lforest G., son of Clias. Bassett, b. Livermore, m. Xov. 26, 1890 
May F., dau. of Amos L. and Ann D. (Wormell) Harlow. Son, 
Fred H., adopted. ]\Ir. Bassett is one of Peru's shrewd and pros- 
perous farmers. He is successor of the above Harlow on the 
farm where AVm. Harlow with a family of seven children located 
in 1815. The farm has continued in the family and descendants 
exer since. 

Chas. Bassett was b. in Peru, the son of James and Thersey 
Bassett. This family were residents of Peru in 1813, when Mr. 
Bassett and wife joined the Baptist C^hurch. They continued 
residents in town and members of the church in good standing till 
their deaths in tbe spring of 1819. Tlieir residence was on Pligh 
street. Tlie eut of "Bassett Farm, Worth ly Pond" is a good view 
of tlie buildings erected by William Harlow the grandparent of 
Mrs. P]. G. Bassett. They are located on the West side of the 
Pond on road to Sunmer and Paris. See cut showing farm 
buildino:s. 



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IIlSTOKY OF THE TOWX OF PeRU 87 

Bartlett 

Faiiiih' of Joseph and Fanny Bartlett. Wife was the dau. of 
Kohert Tilson, Sr. and Charity Jones. Tliey owned the j\lerritt 
n. Oldham farm at foot of Worthly Pond. They were early set- 
tlers there. Children :— Fanny Tilson Bartlett, b. Oct. 8, 1817, m. 
Benj. Goodwin of Melrose, Mass., both died in Paris, Me., had chil- 
dren, Marcellus and Isabel, b. Aug. 25, 1857 ; Lydia L., b. Apr. 31, 
1820, m. Martin Ellis of Canton, had son, x\ll)ert. They lived in 
:\relrose, Mass. Parents dead; Christopher W., b. Sept. 1, 1823, 
m. Pub. Dec. 6, 1857, Hannah dau. of Plarve}^ liipley, had daugh- 
ters Lydia L. and Abby B., both d. in 1862; Joseph W., b. July 9, 
1834. lived and d. Melrose, Mass.; Josiah Adelbert Bartlett, b. 
Xov. 23, 1841, m. Jan. 1, 1863; Laura J., b. Dec. 24, 1842, dau. 
of Wm. P. Brackett, had son Emerson. They lived at one time on 
the Goggin farm. For reasons unknown to writer, tliis jnan. the 
husband of Jjaura Jane, left her bed and board without due notice, 
taking with iiim his neighbor's youngest girl, Hattie Eliza Burgess, 
b. Aug. 5, 1851 and nearly ten years his junior. They elo[)ed going 
to parts unknown. It is rej^orted that they are li\ing at Woburn, 
Mass. Christopher d. in Florida. 

Wife Fanny Bartlett d. on Goggin farm Aug. 17, 1863, ae. 64 
yrs. 6 mo. Husband Joseph remarried Clarinda Paul ''widow" 
A]u-. 20. 1865. He d. about five years after and was buried beside 
1st wife in Kidge Cemetery. 

The cut entitled "'A Merry Party, Worthly Pond" shows tlie 
barn on tiie Bartlett farm erected by him in the thirties. Tlie 
house is at the left across tlie road nearl}^ opposite the team 
which is headed towards the bridge at the outlet of the Pond 
and to the ^^'est side of Pond. A short distance down the stream 
hclow the lu'idge was located Pi})ley"s Mill. Tliere is a good \vat(M' 
lif)wer for sale. 

Bemis 

The family of Henry A. aiul Anna T. Beniis. He was the son 
of Jacob and Angeline Bemis whose daughter Prudence W., b. 
Livermore, Aug. 1, 1834. m. Apr. 1867, Tliomas Farrar, 1). Xewiy, 
^le., Xov. 1, 1840. These families came iVoni Livermore to 
I^eru in the year 1883. Bemis opened a harness shop in the old 
Bent store at Peru Centre. Xext he made traveling cases and cut 
and made men's pants. He removed around 1885 to East Turner. 



88 TTisToiiY OF Till-: Towx of Pi-:i;r 

His children:— Clara Etta, I.. Mar. 23, 1869, m. Orison Pratt of 
Turner ; John T., h. .Fan. 15, 1864, ni. in Turner Ma}^ Moore 
(widow) lived with his parents and died there June, 1905; Bessie 
A., b. in Dixfield 1883, m. Arthur Bernard ; Jacob Beniis d. at 
Ids daughter's East Peru. Dec. 10, 1893, ae. S-t yrs. His wife d 
there Sept. 16. 1888, ae. 77 yrs. 

Thomas Farrar was a soldier in the Civil War. Co. B. 35th 
Mass. Color beaier. Iieiglit over six feet. He i)urcha-^ed the 
Daniel Deshon mill, water power and dwellino- house below the 
bridge at East Peru. His mill was fitted up for the manufacture 
of spool strips Mud lia> done a paying business a term of years. 
Mr. Fai'rar's health failing he sold liis estate to the Si)0()l Co., 
Dixfield, and removed to (lilbeitville in spring of 1907. Xo issue. 
These families won the high esteem of all. Mr. Henry A. Bemis 
died at Keen's Mills, East Turner, around Feb. 1911. 

Bolster 

Lyman and Betsey (Knight) Bolster. She was the dau. of 
Daniel Knight and Betsey Wheeler, Rumford. 

Children :—Cuvier Lyman, b. Sept. 11, 1843, d. Nov. 8. 1847; 
Harriett Andrews, b. July 5, 1833; Daniel Winthrop Knight son 
of Winthrop and Caroline Knight, b. Boston. Feb. 30, 1833, d. 
Aug. 31. 1853, Peru; Maiy Hellen L.. b. Dec. 33, 1840; Albert 
Cuvier AV., 1). Apr. 14, 1850. 

Mr. Bolster was in trade in the brick store at West l^eru till the 
close of the war. He sold and removed to Bryant Pond. Clipping 
from "Oxford Register" June 39, 1910, Albert C. Bolster long a 
resident of Bryant Pond died suddenly at his home June 38. He 
had been in his u'^ual health and had worked as usual at the Orand 
Trunk quany. He came here with his parents in 1866 and on 
the death of his father in 1874 became his successo]- in ))usiness 
at tlie Knight store. Later he engaged in the drug business which 
he finally sold to A. M. Chase. He m. in 1874 Mary Louise, dau. 
of Rul'us K. Dunham wh.o survives him also daus. Gertrude Bol- 
ster and Mrs. Agnes Brooks. 

Barstow 

Robert and Betsey Barstow came from Monmouth. He was b. 
North Yarmouth. His wife was Betsey Whitcomb. b. Waterford. 
He d. June 37, 1874, ae. 80 yrs. She d. Oct. 30, 1873. ae. 73 yrs. 
Phildven:— Sarah Whitcomb, 1). June 30, 1830, m. Sept. 18, 1849; 



HisToiiv OF THE Towx OF Peru 89 

Benj. Roberts his 2nd wife; Geo. Magoim, b. July 9, 1832, d. Aug. 
1, 1833; Sylvinia L., b. Sept. 25, 1824, m. Josiah Paine, she d. 
June 20, 1864. Tlieir dau. Inez m. Gibbs Abbott. Children:— 
Eldora and Puth ; Frederick A., b. Aug. 7, 1827, d. May 14, 1868, 
m. Isabel B., b. Oct. 17, 1831, dau. of Benj. and Mary H. Love- 
joy. Child: — ('has. L. Barstow, b. A])r. 15, 1858. Widow remar- 
ried Wni. Moore. 

The subject of this sketch was a very energetic, capable busi- 
ness manager. His occupation at West Peru village was boot 
and shoe manufacturer. Barstow and Whitcomb blood develops 
an all round business quality 100 per cent, active and vigorous to 
the third generation. 

Emily, b. June 9, 1830, m. Aug. 11, 1859. Albion K. P. Knight; 
Lydia Prince, b. Dec. 26, 1832, m. in Mass.; Matilda K., b. July 
19. 1836 in Monmouth, m. Pub. June 22, 1856, Elisha S. Wy- 
man; Geo. M., b. Oct. 5, 1839, d. Oct. 8, 1859. Frederick A. was 
a dealer in farm products at Bryant Pond the last few years of 
life. He was held in high esteem and did a thriving business. 

Brown 

Leonard H., b. in Leeds May 17, 1816 the son of Samuel and 
Sarah (Cushman) Brown, m. Mar. 24, 1855 Jane E. dau. of 
Jeremiah Withaui. He moved from Carthage to Peru and was 
successor to Solomon T. Alden's ferry and farm in 1867-8. 
Children: — Celestia A., b. Jan. 25, 1856, unmarried: El- 
mer E.. b. Dec. 23, 1857; Marcia Luetta. b. May 6, 1881. m. May 
6, 1888, Geo. W. Hall of the firm of Hall Bros. 

The Brown family are higlily respected citizens, good neigh- 
bors, kind and generous to the poor. Mr. Brown d. June 1. 1894. 
Mrs. ]\[ary A. TLimilton sister to Mrs. Biown b. Harpswell, May 
1?, 1827, formerly a resident at W. Peru village was in the fam- 
ily (1907.) Mr. Brown and son carried on their ferry till the 
I*. & P. F. Ky. was extended in the spring of 1892 and did a 
thriving business in addition to farming. The feriT was dis- 
continued that spring as unprofitable for further service. It had 
done continuous service for 64 years. Son Elmer E. has not m. 
He sold farm and removed with Mrs. Brown and dau. Celestia to 
Dixileld Village about close of year 1907. Mrs. Brown d. tliere in 
March, 1908, respected and loved by all. The lirother and sistei- are 
nicely situated in their village home. They are prominent mem- 
beis of Pockenieka Giange, Peiu. Miss Blown is an a{-coii!])li-Ii- 
ed mnsician, vocal and instrumental. 



90 History of the Town of Peru 

Brackett 

AnolJier race of Bracketts of \Yestl>rook, Maine. Wni. P. 
Brackett, 1). 1808, d. May 22, 1878, m. probabl)^ 1829, 1832, Laura 
J. Bowker, b. 1808, d. Nov. 29, 1873. They were farmers on 
"Eidge Road," farm joined Goggin place. Their children: — Julia 
Mariah, b. Dec. 18, 1831, m. Apr. 8, 1856, 1st, Luther Jackson 
his 2nd wife, tie d. in army in 1861, widow m. 2nd, Dec. 22, 1865, 
p]dniond C. Bowker a soldier in the 1st Me. Cay. Civil War. He 
lived and d. in Sumner. Their son lives on home farm. Widow 
is pensioner; Hellen Morrill, b. Aug. 5, 1834, d. Aug. 11, 1831; 
AVm. Plummer, b. Apr. 6, 1838, d. Sept. 21, 1872; Laura Jane, b. 
Mar. U, 1841, d. Aug. 12, 1842; Laura Jane, b. Dec. 24 1842; 
Jeremiah Chadman, b. Aug. 7, 1845, ni. Oct. 6, 1868, Olive A. 
Jackson, b. June 13, 1849, d. Sept. 19, 1896, dau. of Seth W. 
Jackson; Lionel Orin, b. xVug. 25, 1847; Jeremiah C. Brackett 
served Pvt. Co. E, 31st Me. war 1861. Laura Jane Brackett m. 
Jan. 1, 1863, Josiah iVdelbert Bartlelt, Peiu. He left wife, she 
had son Emerson who m. in R. I., Alice Cook. Their residence is 
East Sumner, Labrador Pond. Wm. Plummer Brackett m. Jan. 
1, 1863, Sarah Malissa Jackson dau. of Seth W. and Ehiora 
(Woodsum) Jackson. 

Their children :—All)ion L., b. Xov. 9, 1863, d. .lune 4. 1908; 
Irving L.. b. 1869. Widow Saiah Malissa, m. 2nd 1885. Tyler 
Kidder (widowed) he d. 1900; Albion Ij. Brackett m. Cassie E. 
Caligan of East ^Faeliias, wife d. June 1905. Their cliihlren: — 
Wm. Warren, b. Jan. 1887; Hazel B., b. 1889; Harold, b. 1891; 
Henry Irving, b. 1893; Leston A., b. 1897; Murton L., b. 1901. 

Mr. Brackett Avas employed tlie most (»f his life in the bi-j,' cot- 
ton mill at Auburn, Me. Was overseer many years and loiuleied 
very able and efflcient service. 

Barbar 

Family left England June 4, 1854, came to Lewiston, Me. thence 
to Peru in winter of 1859. Edward Barbar, b. England Oct. 2. 
1819, m. Apr. 21, 1839, d. Peru Centre Apr. 20, 1894; Martha. 1.. 
July 2, 1819 Ashton, England, d. Peru Jan. 6, 1892, dau. of Wm. 
and Hannah (Hallowell) Charlesworth : Wm. Charlesworth of 
Ashton, b. Mar. 27, 1792, m. -Jan. 5. 1815, d. Peru 187:1. Had 
seven children, Martha was the second. Children of Barbai': — 
Emma, b. May 4, 1841, England, m. Amos Turner; Hannah. 1). 
May 25. 1845. d. in Peru, m. Jan. 15, 1868, Henry Castle 2nd 



HlSTOKY OF THE ToUX OF PF:itU Ul 

wife b. England. Children of Heniy and Hannah Castle : — 
George, b. Mar. 1869, d. Omaha, Xeb. ; Maggie A., b. Aug. 1871, 
m. Eugene Varney, Waterville. He d. 1904; Sadie E., b. Mar. 
1873, m. Apr. 15, 1897, Bert C. Kidder in Peru. Their children: — 
Ehvood Castle, b. Mar. 6, 1900; Hazel Gertrude, b. Aug. 22, 1901; 
Sibyl M., Sopt 2, 1904; Lawrence Burt, b. Aug. 18, 1905; Leland 
Warren, b. Mar. 1907 ; Frank Edward, b. Oct. 26, 1908. 

Xellie M. Castle, b. Mar. 23, 1875, m. Oct. 7, 1895, Dennis A. 
Harriman who came from South Thomaston, a nioiuiment worker. 
Chas. E. Castle, b. June, 1877, d. ae. about one yr. Child of Har- 
riman : — Richard Sherwood, b. Eeb. 3, 1899, residence Ed. Palis. 
Henry Castle m. 3d Lydia Fogg. Child : — Ella. He Jias been at 
Asylum, Augusta several years. He d. there Jan. 1911. 

Mr. Bai-bar and family and Mr. Charleswoith emigrated to 
Lewiston, Me., following tlie nsiddle fifties, where ^Ir. Barbar was 
enij)loyed in cotton mill a few years. Around 1859 he purchased 
of Jonas Greene the Francis Conant stand adjoining the farm of 
Hezekiah W. Babb and moved his family there while he continued 
work in the mill. In spring of IStiO the house took fire, for want 
of the stove pipe being made fast to die chimney flue in the un- 
finished chamber over the cook stove, and the family were forced 
to leave the house about three o'clock on a winter morning and 
seek refuge with a neighbor. The buildings were connected and all 
consumed. Mr. Barbar thought he would build a house that would 
not burn. He had read FoAvler's method of building in Xew York 
with cobble stone and lime mortar, requiring timber only for cross 
beams and sleepers and studding and the roof. 

He had erected a few iiinnths aflei' wliat was termed mud build- 
ings, disconnected. It is oljservable at this stage that the ingre- 
dients of the mortar used here was (piite different from that in 
Xew York as mucli so as clay differs from sand. Fij'st the Iiani 
was built, roof put on and sliingled and contrary to many pie- 
dictions, it survived a sliort rain storm. This served to ins]iiro 
courage to l)nild tlic house. It was erected, roof put on and 
shingled. A middle sill runniiig length of liouse was designed to 
support sleepers of house floor and serve to liold a division wall in 
the cellar, the rear to be a daik room and the fi'ont lighted. A 
door frame under this sill had l)eea ciected when the w(n'kmen, H. 
"W. Babb, Amos Turner and writer were in the cellar, the first two 
adjusting scantlings near the door frame and writer was standing 
a few feet nearer the entrance to cellar unemployed at the time, 
looking casuallv over head and thinking of the lifibility of a crasli. 



92 History of the Town of Peru 

when he detected a faint jar and saw a few grains of mortar drop 
and prompted by tlie signal made haste for the yard outside. He 
barely reached there when the crash came as quick as tipping a 
cart load of rocks down a steep bank. All flat with the roof on 
top. That door frame was the means of saving the lives of the 
men, when the house fell. Amos Turner, who was ifear the door 
frame was not injured. He looked around to find Mr. Babb and 
discovered him partially covered with debris on the cellar bottom. 
He was standing at the moment of the crash about midway be- 
tween frame and end wall near middle sill, which was held up by 
frame at point of bearing, the end portion going down with wall 
and inflicting a slight blow obliquely which stunned him. It was 
about three hours before he recovered his senses. The barn went 
down a few days later. That experiment cost two Imndred dol- 
lars for material and labor. Next Mr. Barbar built in 1863 a set 
of wooden buildings and occupied them till after the war. In 
1870 he with his son-in-law purchased the G. W. Bisbee farm and 
lived there with tlieir families. Several acres of the tillage was de- 
voted to hops, with new cedar poles and a full equipment for dry 
ing. They were yielding well and commanding a good price at 
the time. This incident and what followed is related simply as il- 
lustrative of Mr. Barbar's method of stopping the drink evil. He 
would stop the manufacture so far as he was able, and he did so 
by plowing up the hop fields on his farm to the last hill, sacrific- 
ing hundreds of dollars. No other man followed the example. Mr. 
Barbar was a kind indulgent parent and his wife unlike Martha 
'of old was always of good cheer, helpful and pleasing. 

Brown Family 

Nathan Brown and family were early pioneer settlers in the 
North part of the town adjoining Rumford Falls. They came 
from Concord, N. H. around 1830. Eecord shows he was high- 
way surveyor in 1833. A portion of what was his farm is now oc- 
'Cupied by Italian shanties and the old Brown farm house re- 
modeled and second story added stands on bank of river opposite 
Little Italy, as called. The farm was last owned and occupied by 
John Austin. Jr. before its sale to the Water Power Co. 1890-91. 
We are unable to learn of the wife of Nathan Brown except that 
her maiden name was Wheeler. Nathan d. May 1, 1853. Their 
•child: — David F. Brown, b. probably in New Hampshire, lived 
on home farm a bachelor the best part of his lifetime and long 



HiSTOKY OF THE Tosvx OF Peku OS- 

after the rest of the family had found homes away. In his early 
career he began letting money at 12 per cent, on collateral se- 
curity. At the time of the grasshopper famine around 1867 he 
had claims on lots of oxen about his vicinity. It was during this 
period that he would often find an additional yoke of steers or oxen 
in his barn yard, without notice. A young nephew asked him what 
he meant by saying he had a "lien'" on them cattle. He said jerk- 
ing his hand: "Gad! they all lean towards my barn." 

David F. Brown was 3d with Dean Lunt and Sumner R. Newell 
on the Board of Selectmen and Assessors of Peru for 1846. He 
m. late in life Mrs. Eeed, widow of John Eeed, merchant at Mexico 
Corner. He d. His only brother known, John Mark, m. lived and 
d. on a fann in Canton. Their son Henry G. m. widow of Lot 
Sampson in Hartford where he is living. Wife d. 

John M. Bro'wn's dau. Margaret m. Sumner Soule a native of 
Livermore. He was engaged in boot mfg. in the middle and late 
sixties. "Wife d. He d. a member of police in Boston 1907 leaving 
a son Bert in a shoe store at Gardiner, Me. 

The daughters of Nathan Brown, so far as known were. Sophrona 
E., m. Pub. to Franklin Warren, Mexico Oct. 20, 1851: : Nancy S., 
m. Tristiam Washburn Mar. 11, 1841 ; Lovina, m. James Wash- 
bum Pub. June 26, 1838, uncle to Tristiam ; Polly, m. about 1824. 
James Delano resident in Peru. He was no kin to other Delanos 
in town. 

Their first child b. Feb. 3, 1825. This shows quite likely the 
Brown family were in town prior to Polly's marriage. Their chil- 
dren:— Sarah Bro^\Ti Delano, b. Feb. 3, 1825, d. Apr. 11, 1825; 
Emerson Coolidge, b. Apr. 12, 1826, d. June 22, 1843; Nathan B., 
b. Feb. 10, 1828, d. July 25, 1848; David Brown Delano, b. July 
1830, m. Sept. 25, 1851, Mary J. Hall ; Mary Ann, b. Oct. 1, 1832, d. 
Sept. 26, 1835; Nina B., b. Jan. 3, 1836, d. Oct. 1838; Chas. M., 
b. Aug. 25, 1838; Sarah Brown Delano, b. Sept. 14, 1842, m. Feb. 
8, 1859, Jacob Lovejoy, Mexico. 

Resuming the daughters of Nathan Brown, Lucy m. a Lufkin, 
Emily M. m. Azel L. Hammon, Sarah b. Concord, N. H. d. Pent 
Nov. 21, 1900, m. in early fifties Joseph Staples. Their chil- 
dren known: — Clara H., b. 1854 is married; Julia, b. 1860 is mar- 
ried. 

Daniel Barton 

Daniel Barton was a settler in the township several years be- 
fore it was an organized Plantation. He made a clearing West of 



9-4 History of the Toavx of Peru 

Brady Baile)^ (now the Town Farm) on High street so called 
around the year 1800. 

He m. about 1805, Eunice b. 17(53 dau. of Merrill Knight, Sr. 
Their only child known, James Barton was b. here March 10, 
'.dU6. Mr. Barton d. Oct. 28, 1838. Their son m. Pub. Oct. 9, 
1837, Abigail Eussell of Hartford. Their only issue d. young. Xot 
long after the death of Daniel Barton his widow Eunice made it 
her home with her sister, ]\Irs. Francis Waite, having a room in the 
AYaite mansion. For many years "Aunt Barton" as she was 
familiarly called, was the general root and herb dispenser in the 
community. She was often seen in the fields and on tlie highway 
with her apron full of these goods. jSTov. 6, 1845, in her 83d year 
she remarried one Benj. York who was 81 years old and active. 
He came to the gristmill of writer's father with a bushel of wheat 
he had grown and asked the writer to make him some nice flour a 
day or two before the marriage. The wedding cake was made from 
that flour. Mr. York told writer afterwards the flour was good. 
Mrs. York lived seven years after this marriage, d. Feb. 19, 1853, 
ae. 90 yrs. Her brother was hugged by the wliite faced bear. See 
first sawmill, Dickvale. 

Bray 

Harrison and Keziah M. Bray lived on the Curtis farm at 
Worthl}^ Pond in the earl}^ or middle forties. He removed to the 
upper end of Higli street and bought the Samuel S. Wyman farm. 
The latter moved to the Withington farm where his son Otis AYy- 
man lives in Peru annex to Eumford. This occurred between 
early and middle fifties. Mi-. Bray Avas an active ]3articipant in 
moral reforms, a staunch supporter of Maine prohibition, an lion- 
orable just man and his wife w^as highly esteemed by all. Their 
children: — Eunice Mariah. 1). Jan. 31, 1851, m. Herljeit Daven- 
port, live in Turner; Ezra B., b. Sept. 17, 1851, m. Feb. 26, 1879, 
Harriet J. Knox, b. Mar. 26, 1856, dau. of Albion K. P. and 
Susannah Knox. Live in Boston, agt. for Turner Ctr. Creamery; 
Wm. H. Bray, b. Apr. 21, 1857; Tliomas B., b. Nov. 21. 1859. d. 
May 21, 1861; Emma Abbie, b. Sept. 21, 1862; Bennett L., b. Feb. 
3, 1866, d. around middle eighties; Nora E., b. Apr. 14. 1868, m. 
a Mr. Metcalf. He was lost on board the steamer Portland, Nov. 
27, 1898. Bertha did not m. died of consumption after the fam- 
ily removed to Lewiston in early nineties. 

Mr. Bray has died since leaving town. His wife before marriage 
was Keziah Mills Weymouth, dau. of Wm. and Sally (Mills) 



HiSTOKY OF THE TOWX OF PeP.C 95 

"Wevmoutli of New Portland, Me. Mrs. Bray is the on]\' survivor, 
except a half sister, of a family of ten children. Her last own 
sister, Mrs. Paschal Edmunds d. in Mexico N'ov. 1909. 

Oliver B. Canwell 

Oliver B. Uanwell, brotlier to John, m. iJec. 'i, IS'^6, Pliilema, 
dan. of John Andrews. Oliver d. Sept. 7, 1847, ae. 46 yrs. His wife 
d. Xov. 31, 1889, ae. 84 yrs. Children :—Sabrina, b. May 28, 1829, 
d. Feb. 25. 1845: William, b. July 29, 1831, m. Apr. 8, 1852, 
Hannah dau. of Thomas 8. Lord; George, b. June 20, 1833, ra. 
an Andrews; Keziah, b. June 21, 1837, m. an Andrews, a brother 
to wife of George; Xancy, b. July 26, 1839, m. Nov. 17, 1853, 
Geo. son of Stephen L. AVing; Mercy Andrews Canwell, b. in No. 
2 Ma}^ 15, 1835, m. a son of Stephen P. Wing; Oliver B., b. June 
26, 1841, m. a Pratt, was in Civil War, Pvt. Co. C, 8th Me.; 
Chas. Bean. 1). 1844, d. 1845; George W. Turner Canwell, b. Apr. 
1. 1846, d. in Civil War. The following is the epitaph of Oliver B. 
Canwell : "He Avhose ashes here repose died happy in the 
Saviour's love, beyond the reaeli of mortal wnos. His s])irit 
sings in bliss above.''^ 

John Canwell m. Apr. 4, 1822, Melinda Wing. Children : — John, 
Jr., b. Jan., d. Mar. 1823; Wm. Woodsimi Canwell, b. Sept. 21, 
1824 ; Arvilla H., b. Oct. 25, 1826, d. ae. about 18 yrs. ; Hannah, 
b. Oct. 21, 1830, ni. Andrew son of Thos. S. Lord; Sally, b. Nov. 
1, 1833, m. a Murch, residence Sumner; Sewall Frost Canwell, b. 
Apr. 2, 1838, moved to Sumner. 

War Record of Canwell Family 
Wm. Canwell of Peru, ae. 32 yrs. M. Must. Mar. 22, 1864 in 
Co. C, 8th Begt. Me. Vols., discharged for disability May 1, 1864. 
Oliver B. of Peru, ae. 20. S. Must. Sept. 7, 1861, Co. C, 8th Kegt. 
Me. Vols. Ee-enlisted Jan. 1, 1864. Promoted Corp. Wounded 
May 16, 1864. On detached service Nov. 1, 1865. George W. 
Turner (named by Dr. Turner who evidently attended his birth) 
ae. 18. Must, on quota of Franklin Sept. 21, 1861 in Co. F, 9th 
Eegt. Me. Vols. Was taken prisoner July 11, 1863 and d. date 
unknown in Libby Prison. Also Sewell F. son of John Canwell, 
ae. 23. S. Must. Nov. 15, 1861 on quota of Franklin in Co. D, 
12th Maine. Ee-enlisted Must. Jan. 1, 1864. While on furlough 
home in Apr. and May 1864 he failed to join Command at Port- 
land May 27, 1864. 



96 History of the Town of Peru 

George Canwell 

Geo. Canwell, b. Wayne Jan. 19, 1807, d. Peru Dec. 1, 1899 son 
of John and Sarah (Reddin) Canwell, m. Pub. Jar.. 3.5, 1839, 
Hannah, b. Aug. 4, 1813, d. May 7, 1875 dau. of Seth and Virtue 
Burgess. Children: — Wm. B., b. Nov. 15, 1839, m. Allura Bishop 
of Leeds, have 3 children, residence Monmouth; Amos. B., b. Dec. 

5, 1842, m. Esther V. Allen, residence Norway; Levi H., b. June 9, 
1847, m. Elmira Pratt, residence Leeds; Leonard, b. Aug. 3, 1849, 
m. Anna Child, residence Welchville, Me. ; Martha Ann, d. Mar. 

6, 1861. ae. 9 yrs. 9 mos.: Keziah, b. Aug. 18, 1853, m. Elbridge 
Smith, residence Dixfield. 

Campbelle 

Herbert F. and Lilla E. Camjjbelle dau. Levi Rowe of Dover, 
N. H. m. in 1897. He bought and settled on the Dexter Delano 
place adjoining Walker farm. Around 1905 he discovered a mine 
of felspar on the premises. He sold farm at big advance to mining 
company. They made a big hole in ledge and abandoned mine 
and farm to the mortgagee. Farm and mineral for sale. 

Mr. Campbelle is employed in toothpick mill at Dixfield. He 
has two children, Mabel E., b. Feb. 1, 1898 and Winnefred Y., b. 
Dec. 1904. 

David L. Chenery 

David L. Chenery and family removed from Jay to Peru in Dec. 
1881. He was the son of David and Euth (Goding) Chenery, b. 
in Ja}^ July 1845. He m. Sept. 3, 1875, Eveline H. dau. of Chas. 
Roberts in Liverniore. He settled on the farm formerly occupied 
by Joseph C. Johnson and his wife Susan, a sister to Mr. Chenery. 
Farm is located at Dickvale. Cyrus Dunn built a large set of 
buildings here and did extensive farming years before. Mr. Chen- 
ery is an industrious energetic farmer. Children: — David C, b. 
Sept. 1876, m. Feb. 3. 1903, Edith Allen dau. of Oscar C. and 
Anna S. (Jose) Allen; Maud Chenery, m. Arthur Driscoll of 
Livermore Falls. 

Thomas Cunningham 

Thomas Cunningham a native of Liberty m. 1905, Luania Lane 
of Rumford. Child: — Arlene, aged 5 yrs. Occupation, farmer, 
successor to U. G. Lunt on the River farm next above the Chas. 
S. Walker farm. They are a highly respected family. 



HisTOrxY OF Tin: Towx ok Tkru 97 

Genealogy of Conant Family 

Koger Conant born East Buclleigli, Devon, England lo92, m. 
Sarah Horton, London 1618. Came to Mass. 1623. Children: — 
Lot, b. 1624, m. Elizabeth dan. of Eev. Wm. Walton. 

Their son Lot, Jr.. b. Feb. 16, 1657, m. Elizabeth Pj'ide. He 
was in King Phillip's war. Their son, Joseph, b. !N"ov. 4, 1701, 
Beverly, Mass, m. Sarah Jewett 1725. They moved to Portland, 
^le. Their son Bartholomew b. ahout 1736. m. Anna Frink Mar. 
6, 1760, was in Revolutionary army. Lived near Duck's Pond, 
AVestbrook, Me. Their son Joseph, b. Feb. 3, 1767 Westbrook, Me., 
ni. Lucinda Tufts. They lived in Bowdoinham, Me. and moved to 
Peru where wife was known as Lucy. He d. Feb. 24, 1833. She 
d. Feb. 1, 1857, ae. 90 yrs. Their children : — John Conant, b. 
Feb. 1, 1799; Joseph, Jr., b. Mar. 15, 1800: Bartholomew, b. Apr. 
15, 1804; Daniel L., b. Sept. 26, 1807: Thomas, b. Mar. 30, 1809; 
Francis, b. Aug. 29, 1813; Hannah, b. Sept. 25, 1814; Dorcas 
Small, b. May 20, 1818; Sarah, m. David Hoit, one of the hog 
Cons, of Peru in 1822; Lucinda, m. Wni. Cole. 

It is probable Joseph Conant and portion of family eanie to 
Peru in the early twenties. His oldest son John, m. Aug. 25, 1824, 
Elizabeth dau. of Daniel and Selme Deshon, residents of Peru as 
early as March 1818 when the collection of taxes was bid off by 
said Deshon at five cts. on the dollar. Joseph Conant settled on 
the first lot South of the Wm. Walker, Jr. farm, lived and died 
there. He is represented as an honorable upright man in lii^; deal 
with neighbors. 

John Conant d. May 25, 1857. Family then in lioxbury, Me. 
His wife Elizabeth d. Jan. 13, 1867, ae. 66 yrs. Their children :— 
Pienna, b. Aug. 12, 1825; Saloma M., b. Jan. 4, 1826, d. Mar. 26, 
1849; Daniel D., b. Dec. 2, 1828, d. Feb. 2, 1852; Joseph H., b. 
Feb. 4, 1831, m. widow Ann Porter in Eoxbury. She d. 1890. He 
d. in Peru May. 23, 1901. He was member of Co. D, 12th Me.; 
Lovina, b. Nov. 18, 1832, m. 1853, Cephus W. Irish; Arvilla, b. 
Oct. 1, 1834, d. Sept. 22, 1865; Lorenzo D., b. Mar. 6, 1837. Was 
soldier, quota of Mexico 1861, d. Apr. 2, 1863; Mary, b. May 7, 
1839, m. Cyrus Gammon. Joseph, Jr. began a sea faring life 
when a young man. There is no further knowledge of him. 

Bartholomew m. Apr. 30, 1844, Lorinda, widow of xA.braham 
^STewton of Dixfield. He d. around 1860 at the home of Daniel L. 
Conant, Avhere he was cared for. Lorinda d. in Peru. Thomas 
m. Oct. 1851, 2nd Eosella Leighton of Augusta. He was a 



98 HlSTOKY OF THE TOWX OF PeRU 

dealer in stoves and tin ware from 18G5 to 1885 at Wayne vil- 
lage. His dan. Lorinda by ]st wife. b. Fel). 6, 1838, d. ae. about 
14 yrs. on home farm, Pern. Had son by 2nd wife. Thomas d. 
at Augusta in the bite nineties. Posella, liis widow, d. Kov. 1907. 

Francis m. in early forties, Anna ?>. Leigliton of Augusta. 
IsTo issue. He first settled near his brother, Daniel L., and built 
the buildings owned years after by Edward Barbar that were 
burned. His trade was shoemaker. He removed to Byron, Jan. 
1850, at the foot of Buekfield Hill where Jie died around 1853. 
His widow remarried in 1856, C'has. Bearce "widowed'' living 
in Hartford. He ]'emoved to Livermore, d. in 1887. Widow 
lived with Thomas Conant and family on farm at Augusta and 
was cared for by the son and wife of Thomas till her death around 
1900. She was a noble, kind liearted woman, a good step mother. 

Daniel L., b. Sept. 2(^, 1807. d. Jan. 1, 1883, m. May 30, 1840. 
Mary Ann. b. Windham 1818. d. Oct. I'i, 1897. dau. of Wm. and 
Elois (Barnell) French of Peru. Cliiklren: — Harriet A., b. Mar. 
31, 1841, d. Apr. 17, 1869; Olive Mariah, b. Jan. 25, 1843, m. 
Dec. 18, 1866. Hiram E. Stillman. Sons of Daniel L. Conant :— 
Joseph Edward, b. Oct. 13, 1847, m. June 18, 1871, Emma J., 
b. Sept. 6, 1853, d. June 17, 1909, dau. of Kathan and Susan Shea; 
Wm. Henry Conant, h. June 7. 18 1^9. ,n. Dec. ?3. 1873. Georgia 
Etta Oldham. 

Family of Joseph E. and Emma J. Cliiklren: — Geo. H., b. 
Jan. 12, 1874; Daniel, b. Jan. 26, 1879, m. 1904, Annie E. Lewis, 
b. Canterbury, N". B. Their infant son b. June 29, d. July 22, 
1905 and their 2nd child was b. Aug. 31, 1906. Parted May 1909 ; 
Daisey M., b. July 30, 1890, dau. of Joseph E.. m. May 1909, 
Marshall Babh. Born to wife of Marshall Babh Jan. 1, 1910, a 
daughter. Geo. H. m. Sept. 22, 1908, Grace Packard, dau. 
of Edmund, son of Moses. Dixfield. Children of Wm. Henry 
and Georgia Etta Conant :— Albert 0., m. Mar. 8. 1896, Nellie M. 
dau. of Amasa and T^ellie Carter; Lizzie V.. ni. May 10. 1895, 
Henry A. Ames; Gertie M., m. Feb. 27, 1897, Augustus T. Saw- 
yer; Grace L., b. Oct. 11, 1894; Florence B., m. Feb. 1906, Nor- 
man Poland ; Eva E., h. Aug. 22, 1888; Arthur C, b. Feb. 5, 1881 ; 
Birney M. b. Mar. 17, 1885; Percy E., b. Sept. 18, 1891. 

Abial Cobb 

Abial and Eunice Cobb here in 1821. Children; — Lucinda, b. 
Dec. 12, 1817; William, b. Feb. 27, 1819; Joseph, b. July 11, 1820. 



History of the Town of Peru 99 

Coombs 

Jesse and Dorcas Coombs. C'hildren : — Nathaniel Coombs, 
b. Apr. 13, 1814; Isaac, b. June 3, 1819; Jesse, Jr., b. m. June 19, 
1832, Mary Libby. Children :— Arthur, b. Dec. 13, 1823; Dorcas 
Danford, b. Oct. 15, 1835; Priscilhi T.. h. :\[ar. 14, 1838; Piosanna 
L., b. N"ov. 39, 1831. 

This famihr lived on the farm now owned by \\n\. \\. Gordon 
between W. Pern and Diekvale. Tliey all left town and removed 
to town of Lisbon in the forties. 

William Cox 

AV'm., b. Hartford 1821, the son of Aaron Cox and Lucy Par- 
sons, b. l^ucktield, m. Lonisa. b. Raymond 1835, dan. of Thomas 
Dyer and Hannah Parsons, b. Bnckfleld. Mr. Cox enlisted Co. 
C, 30th Regt. Me. Yoh., Pvt. Reed, an honorable discharge. Was 
granted a pension. He was an upriglit Christian and his wife 
shared with him the joys of a Christian Jiope through life. Their 
children: — Eley Jane, b. Mar. 35, 1847, d. 1873; R. Lualla, b. June 
3, 1853, d. 1876; Wm. P., b. Dec. 17, 1855, d. Apr. 1, 1856; Wm. 
Pt., b. Apr. 14, 1848, d. May 13, 1848; Georgeanna, b. Feb. 31, 
1850, d. Apr. 6. 1850; Hannah E., b. Apr. 14, 1857, d. 1876. 
Mr. Cox was on a small farm on the old county road that led 
from the 0. L. Knight place over the inountain, located on the 
East side of the road at the foot of the mountain range. ^lost 
of the children were reared and died tliere. He d. Dee. 19, 1903, 
ae. 83 yrs. 9 mos. at West Peru. His wife d. May 37. 1897. ae. 
73 yrs. 3 mos. 

The Cox family came from Buekfield, two brothers, Aaron P. 
and William and two sisters, Judith P. and Jaxcv P. were residents 
in Peru, and excepting tlie last named, they lived and died there. 
Lucy P.. m. Oct. 3. 1869. Otis X. Haskell, in Hebron. 

Aaron P. Cox, 1). ^\nv. 4. 1818. d. Sept. 33. 1870, m. Eliza- 
beth H.. b. Buekfield. Aug. 38, 1838, d. Feb. 34, 1903. dau. of 
Isaiah Cothell and ^lai-garet P>iu-k, b. Buekfield. ("hildi'en and their 
marriage: — Edward, 1). Xov. 33. 1846, m. I-']tta, dau. of Otis X. 
Haskell of Hebron. 5 children: — ^Amanda Y., Florence E.. 
Aaion E., Arthur F. and Chas. E. Amanda M., b. May 30, 1853, 
Buekfield, m. Pub. Oct. 15, 1869, Albion K. Trask. Xo issue; 
Wm. H.. b. Jime 38, 1860, unmarried; Emery E., b. Apr. 8, 1865, 
m. 1897. Edith M., b. Peru, June 30, 1870, dau. of Warren F. Cur- 
tis. Children :— Helena A., Beula E. Edith M. Cox, the wife. 



100 Hl.sTOKY OK THE TOWX OF FeKU 

(I. Mai'. 5, IDOU, oil Ja'\i Jiaiidali farm. Lucy P., the motlier of 
Aaron 1'., d. in Peru Doc. 'i4, 1877, ae. 91 yvs. 8 iiios. 14 dys. and 
his sister, Judith I*., d. Sept. 7, 1889, ae. 80 yrs. 1 mo, 7 dys. 
Mr. Cox and family lived at Wortlily Pond on the James Irish 

fa I'm. 

Curtis 

Alvali M. Curtis, a native of Paris and a successful school 
teacher, taught the village school at West Peru in the late eighties. 
He made the acquaintance of one of Peru's fair daughters, Miss 
Addie Ella Hall, dau. of our much resjDected townsman, Josiah 
Hall, resulting in their marriage. 

. Mr. Curtis settled on the farm owned in 1860 by Bowers 
Walton and in the late eighties by Merrill Knight 2nd. Mr. 
Curtis was his successor. He is an enterprising, industrious 
farmer. Child:— Hazel M. 



Granville F. Child 

Granville P. Child, b. Apr. 18, 181:2, the son of Granville, of 
Franklin Plantation, m. Oct. 20, 1861, Viola B., b. June 23, 1843, 
the dau. of Elbridge and Silence Hopkins Wing. The parent, 
Granville, was brother to Joseph Child, also to Wni. Child, who 
kept tavern at Brettun's Mills, Livermore in the days of Saw- 
telle's stage line. This race were reputed, honest and honorable. 
Joseph was quite noted. Granville P. and wife were Christians. 
He departed this life July 31, 1901. Their children :— Charles N"., 
b. Xov. 25, 1863, m. Nellie B., b. Sept. 13, 1869, d. May 25, 1902, 
dau. of Samuel Lovejoy; Geo. V. Child, Co. C, 8th Me., war 1861, 
m. Emma C. Card (widow) ; Wm. W., m. Etta E. Card, b. to wife 
Jan. 31, 1910, a son, dan. of Emma C. : Arthur L., b. Sept. 9, 
1871, m. Lucy, dau. of John A. Putnam. Wife d. Feb. 17, 189b, 
ae. 1!> vrs. ;Mary Iv. m. I^nos Farnliam in ^Filton : Percy E.. m. 

Lamb in Dixfield; Clarence E.. m. Smith: Elbridge G., 

m. Anna j\r., dau. of Samuel Hammon. ,h-. Wife d. June 6. 1906 
He m. 2nd. Xov. ;5»), 1!»08, .loiinie. dau. of Chas. G. and Altbie K. 
Ti'ish. They are farmers on his parents" homestead farm. 

ChiUlron of Charles N. and Nellie B. : — Genevic M.. I). 1885, 
d. 1902: Leon Walter, h. in. .Viiu'. 23. !!)()!». Pearl L. :\liller. The 
son of Elbridi>e G. bv 1st wife is Klincr !.. Child. 



History of the Towx of Peru 101 

Homer Child 

HonuM' Child, I). Livermore, Sept. 2, lS'?f). -was the sou of 
Marsliall Child and Olive Stetson of Hartford. ]\rar>lial] was a 
residciii in I'eiu a term of )'ears before the war. in the vicinity 
of AVorthly TomL His ?nd wife was Sarah L. Ames of Jay, m. 
Pnh. Sept. "^1, 18()4. lie removed to JJvcrmore. Homer Child was 
a soldier. Co. (i. 1st .Me. Cav. He d. .Mar. 13, 1896. He sus- 
tained u'lm shot wound in anlde and contracted oilier disabilities 
for which he Avas pensioned. He was upright and commendable in 
all deportment. He m. Aug. G, 1863, Martha Jane, b. iVug. 17, 
1811, the dau. of Wm. K. and Tolly Ellis Pipley. Children of 
Homer Child were :— Perley K., b. July 3, 186G; Lizzy A., b. Feb. 
11, 1868: Mabel R.. b. Aug. 21, 1870, d. Sept. 1, 1870; Lillian E., 
b. Mar. "31, 18T2: Edith M.. b. Sept. 13, 1871; Flora M., b. May 9, 
1877: Wm. M.. b. June 4, 1880: Arthur B., b. Apr. 19. 1883: 
Sarah 1).. b. Aug. ?4, 1886. 

Mariiages:— Perley K., m. Mar. 11, 1899; Sarah D. Howard. 
Children :— Harold P., b. Aug. 18, 1900; :\rabel Estelle, b. June 1. 
1906. Lizzie A., m. Dec. •?9. 1896. Geo. \Y. Watson, 1). Jan. 30, 
1866, d. Aug. 10, 1906. Monument, West Peru. A^o issue; 
Lillian l"^.. m. Apr. '^S. 1898. Clinton E. Child, son of Hiram and 
Hannah ('hild. Two sons, Elmer jM. and Leon R.; l^Alith M., m. 
Sept. ?8. 1893, Thomas C. Oldham, son of Daniel: Flora :\r.. m. 
Nov. 17, 1897. Eugene 0. Kidder, son of John. Children: — •?, 
Elroy Carlton, Lurline H.: Wm. :\1.. m. :\lay T.], 1890, Susie M. 
Knox, dau. of Chester L. and Flavilla (Whitman) Knox; Sarah 
D., m. July 9. 1907, Carson L. Beecly. 

Hiram Child, a brother of Marshall, in. Ilanna'i. dau. of ^lar- 
tin p]llis. This family resided in Peru in the sixties. Their 
children :— Nettie L., b. Aug. 19, 1861, m. Will Hill in Maiden, 
Mass.: Clinton E.. b. Feb. •>■>. 1863: Emerson L., h. ilay 3, 1865. 

Stephen R. Chase 

Stephen P. Chase, h. Weld, son of Xathan P., 1). Springheld, 
Mass. and Lois P. Ping. b. Ware, X. H., m. Hattie, dau. of Win- 
field S. Shackley and wife Louisa, who moved from Canton in 
late forties having purchased the Wm. Thorn place, now the X'athan 
Harlow farm. This was Mr. Chase's second marriage. He own- 
ed what was the Solomon T. Alden farm. He did some farming 
and blacksmithing. He d. Oct. ■?!, 1902, ae. 67 yrs. 2X<> mos. in 
Peru leaving a widow, dan. (ieorgeanna. and son Ceoige. l)y first 
wife. 



102 History or the Town or Peru 

George Chase, b. m. 1895, JaiIu Alice, dau. uf Euos Gould. 
Son, Harold G., b. Mar. 1905. He is a farmer and blacksmith near 
Valley road, Dixfield. Prosperous. 

Stephen R. Chase, m. 1st, ]\lai'illa Hanneford, sister to Nel- 
son. Wife d. at Berr3''s Mills, Carthage. Their dau. m. Wni. 
Adams, her fifth husband. 

James M. Carter 

James M. Carter of Rumford m. Oct. 29, 1815, Martha A., b. 
Apr. 4, 1817, d. July 3, ISDG, dau. of Francis Waite. This fam- 
ily removed to the AVaite farm to care for wii'e's parents and thus 
heired the farm. Tlieir (hni. I'^llen, and lier mother d. there. 
Children: — Amasa F., m. 1st, Nellie M.. 1). .Ian. 2, 185T, dau. of 
Algernon Knox. Their dau. Xellie m. Albert ()., son of Wm. Henry 
Conant. NeHie M. Carter d. Oct. 1, 1878, ae. 30 yrs. 9 mos. 
Amasa F. m. 2nd, Nov. 18, 1885, Minnie V>. Farrar of Woodstock. 
Ellen D., b. 1853, d. May 26, 1882, unmanned; Mary A., m. Dwight 
L. Hall. Amasa F. and wife reuioved to Hartford. No issue. 

Isaac Chase 

Isaac Chase, son of Rev. Nathaniel Cliase of Buckfield, was b. 
Apr. 6, 1815, d. May 2, 1879. His 1st wife, Philena F. Swett, b. 
July 20, 1818, d. Jan. 21, 1818. Mr. Chase was a prominent 
citizen in town, a scliool teacher several years. He served in all 
the town offices repeatedly and was Capt. at one time of Peru's 
quota of militia in the forties. Children: — DeW^itt Clinton, b. 
Dec. 3, 1837, m. Pub. May 18, 1859, Florentine E. Newman, dau. 
of Col. Oliver Newman of Carthage. AVife d. He m. 2nd her 
sister, Clara. They u)oved to Lagrange, 111. AVife left husband 
and remarried in AVilton, Me. Chase m. 3d and lives in South 
Dakota: Leroy Chase, I). Julv 20, 183!). d. Oct. Ki, 1811; Leslie 
Howard, b. Sept. 21, 1813, served Pvt. Co. C, 8th Me. Inf. Vols. 
on Peru's quota 2 yrs. He and wife Mary, reside in Kingston, 
AA^ashington Territory: Leroy Koello, b. Oct. 17, 1815, m. 1st wife 
Kate. She d. 2ud wife named Sisseton. They keep hotel in 
South Dakota: Isaac Chase Morrill, b. Nov. 9, 1817, adopted by 
Enoch and Salome Morrill soon after the deatli of Mrs. (!hase. 
Mr. Cliase m. 2nd, Apr. 11, 1852, Angelia Shackley, sister to Mon- 
roe Shackley of Canton. Children: — Clarence M., b. Nov. 23, 
1856, d. Mar. 2, 18(>5 ; Lena F., b. 18()3, d. 1872; Philena F., b. 
May IT). 18fi3, d. Feb. IG. 1872: Henry A., b. Nov. 2(5, 1853, m. 
June 28, 1899, Priscilla C. A. Kidder (widow.) They are enter- 



History of the Towx of pEur 10;5 

prisiug, prosperous farmers on the old homestead; Chas. C, b. May 
9, 1875, m. Nov. 1899, Maud, dan. of Chas. Holt of Canton. 
Children: — Cerial, Iowa, Eunice. Violet. Eesidenee, Livermore 
Falls. Widow Angvlia Chase had a home with son. Henry A. 
tln-ough life. She demised Jan. 31, 1909. Thus ended an in- 
dustrious useful life. This faiuily have been ])rominent members 
of K'oc'kemeka Grange many years. Mrs. Cliase was dan. of John 
S. fjiint. Her first husl)and was Frank F. Kidder on Loi'cn Irish 
farm. 

Jesse Cushman 

Jesse Cushman m. Sept. 11. 1815, Mariah, dau. ul' Samuel 
Hanmion. He d. June 17, 1887, ae. 66 yrs. 5 inos. Children : — ■ 
Oilman V., h. Mar. 5. 1816, d. Oct. 22, 1852: Wm. Gustine, h. 
Feb. ], 1818, d. Oct. 15. IS5-:?: Ann Louisa. !). Aug. 9, 1849. d. 
Oct. 2S, 1853; Lydia Emily, b. Oct. 4, 1851; Frances Katherine, 
b. duly 2:]. 1851; John (Jilman, b. Feb. 13. 1856. This family 
moved to Carthage, Me. 

Records show Anna Cushman about three years younger than, 
Jesse; m. June 30, 1815, Samuel Hammon, Jr. Wife was about 
one yr. older than husband. Dates indicate prol)ability that she 
was sister to Jesse. 

Caldwell 

dohu A. Caldwi'll, b. around 1841. whose mother married 
dames M. Dcnierritl. He ni. Nov. 35, 186(5. Augusta J., dau. of 
Tliomas Lord. Mr. Caldwell was a soldier in the Civil AVar. He 
lives (mt West. He was Corp. Co. F. 9th ^ile. 

Churchill 

Andrew Jackson Churchill was the son of a sea captaiji. An- 
drew (Mmrchill, b. Plymouth, Mass. and Polly Oldham, b. 1781 in 
l'end)roke, Mass. She was a sister to Thaddeus Oldham, Sr.. who 
removed from Suniiu'i' with ]\1 rs. CInii-chill and two ehildi-eii in 
1827. 

Andrew J. Churchill was l)orn June 12. 1831 in Suninei-. d. 
Jan. 22, 1893 in Peru Annex. He m. around 1818. Xancy Wy- 
nian. She d. Apr. 37, 1893. Their children :— Nancy Jane, b. 
May 7. 1849, d. Oct. 3. 1S64, did not marry: Phebe Frances, b. 
July 3, 1850, m. Apr. 7, 1870. Albert L. Gowell. He d. iu early 
1905. Wife d. Nov. 11. 1S75: no i.>sue. Andrew, b. m. Sept. 13, 
1896, Clara E., b. July 4, 1876. dau. of Warren F. Curtis of Peru. 
Andrew was foreman of paper mill at Johnsonburg. J^i. Last 



lOi History of tiiio Town oi' i*j;i;u 

resJdeiicL', JiOiig Jieacli, Cal. C'hildiL'ii: — A'oniian A,, h. May 4, 
1893, d. Oct. 12, 1901 : Warreu J., h. 1899; Erank A., b. Oct. 1900. 
Andrew J. ( 'liurchill folloAved farming at the foot of Worthly Pond, 
many years on the Hartwell (Jldliam farm. He attained some 
prominence in town affairs and filled various offices. In 18)1 lie 
was elected a repi-eseiitative to Legislature from Peru. Tliis 
family were regular church attendants. 

Dorr Family 

''i'wo lu'otheis of the Dorr family, David and wife Sarah, and 
Nathaniel with wife Mary, dau. of Merrill Knight, were in town 
at date ol' incorporation. Plan, meeting, Apr. 3, 1815. A'oted to 
lay out a road to accommodate Mr. David Dorr. This doubtless 
was a continuation of road from Adam Knight farm going X. W. 
to Samuel Knight place, afterward-^ Jeremiah Hall farm. There 
was a neighboj'liood between the points named on the West side of 
the hill range that includes ^Forrill Dedge. David Dorr was a 
pioneer settler here, continuing through life. So long as the 
pine ti'ees held oni on tlie mountain lot and he was able to cut and 
shave shingle, he kej)t the wolf from the door. Writer recollects 
him in early forties. There is no recm-d when he died; wife d. 
Apr. 3, 18o,5, or of any children. Nathaniel and wife, Mary, have 
record of ten children. He d. Oct. 11, 1810. Children :— Mary 
Jane, b. Dec. (i. 1821; Sarnnel G.. h. July 2. 182B. vrent to Mass. 
and died: Duerelia and John M., b. Aug. 31, 1828 in Xo. 2; 
Winslow. b. Pel). 10, 1831 ; Peter AY., b. ]\Iar. 1. 1833; Adelja A., 
b. Dee. 9. 183.V. Sally, b. May 9, 183S; Saiah Ann. I). Mar. 19, 
1823. in N",). 2, d. Aug. 1821; Monthea E., b. Oct. 18, 1810. The 
first nu'r)tion oi' paupers struck off to the lowest bidder v/as ]\farch 
meeting. 1821. when this couple were bid off as follows: — Nathan- 
iel Dorr bv Adam Knight at one cent per week and his Avife and 
child by Daniel .Punt at 55 cts per week and it was there quite 
likelv tlinj Sai-ab Ann d. Aug. 1821. Ti'ulv the world doth move. 

Dean 

TIh^ Irving Dean farm on road leading From Worthly Pond 
to Xorth Hartford was l.eloi-e the war tlie :^lai-^h;dl Child ])laee. 
Irving was the son of Thomas C, b. 1828, d. 18fin and Eleanor M. 
Dean, b. 1833. d. 1881 on ibis farm, also their dau.. Emma P., b. 
1860. d. 1878. Irving A., b. 185(;. Plora E. Dean m. Apr. 23, 
1880. Henrv W. Eonolov. Pewiston. Irving Dean lives on his 



History of the Town of Peru 105 

fann in the family of Joliu S. liussell. IJecoi'd shows family of 
Edmon S. and Hannah Dean. Children: — Elenotte, b. ^fav '^l, 
1852; Adalbert E., b. A])r. 25, 1854. 

Drown 

liecord of Ezra and Elmira Drown, dau. of Stejjhen Wing. 
Geo. Frederic, b. Nov. 30, 1841, in Peru; Betsey Diana, b. Oct. 
23, 1815, in Peru; Wm. F., b. Dec. 11, 1819, in Dixfield. Eesi- 
■dence on ({rover farm. Lucius and Jemima Doble. Child: — 
Ernest Doble, 1). Jan. 18(50. 

Delano Brothers 

I'be Dclaiiii lii-others. .labez, Abial and -lohn, came from Liv- 
ermore to Peru prior to 1821. AVe find them with their families 
here: Jabez and Giace and children: — Sarah, 1). 1791, d. Se])t. 
25, 183(): Jabcz. Jr.. b. 1799, d. 1851: Abigail Sophia, b. July 10, 
1801: Daniel, b. July 12, 1807. Wife Grace d. Feb. 29, 1831, ae. 
63 yrs. Paient Jabez m. 2nd, Jan. 1S35, Jane CiTshman, in Sum- 
ner. Al)ial Delano, wife Sarah, joined Baptist Church 1818 and 
1819, and cliildren, Dolly Ann and Harriet. Xo further record 
of this family. Writer recollects Mr. Delano. He was a very 
^pare nniu in the face, had a voracious appetite, which condition 
was incompatible with his finances. His wife died and family Avas 
broken up in the thirties or earlier. His dau., Harriet, went to 
live with the famih^ of Geo. Walker and grew up. She married 
in ( artluigc. Mi-. Delano left town in the fcu-ties. John and 
wife, Mehital)le, h. 179S, d. dan. 31, 1819 in iVru. Children:— 
Benj. S., b. Feb. 15, 1821, d. Oct. 19, 1825: Elias, b. Aug. 19, 
1822, d. Oct. 10, 1825; Louisa, b. Dec. Ki 1821. d. Oct. 15. 1825: 
William W.,, b. Feb. 1, 1827; Elias X., b. Jmie 2, 1831: Lmiisa 
B., b. Dec. 19, 1833. m. June 2, 1855, Daniel \Y. Libby in Car- 
ihage: John Wesley, b. Xov. 20, 183(). He married, had several 
children, was living in Carthaue, removed to Peru and in 1881 
renujved to Aroostook (\iunty, the last known of the family. 

John Delano m. 2nd, Fell. 28. 1850, Asenath Cuslnnan, in 
Li\crinore. He probably died there. His son, Wm. W.. m. Xov. 
22. 1S55. llctsey lutsette Dorr, a sistei' of Cyius. It is known 
tluy had thi-ee children or more, two sons of whom Fred, the 
youngei'. was a resident of Peru and a memljer of the school 
•committee in the eighties. His mother, a widow, and his sister, 
were then living at West Peru. ^Irs. Betsey Posette Delano dicfl 
there at the Thomas Demeritt hon-e. Fred and sister returned to 



106 HisToitv OF Till-: Towx of Peru 

Oxford. Ml'. Writer learns, lUll. ihat -labez. Abial and John 
Delano .aforementioned were tlie sons of .labez Delano, who was 
a soldier of the war of t!ie Kevolntion. ol' Livcrniore. Me was in 
Pern probably ou a visit to his sons at one time. Elias X. Delano 
was located at East Peru before the war. Tlis line of work was 
wheelwright and cari'iage repairer. He left town. 

Daniel Delano 

Daniel Delano, I he son of .lahez, d. Aug. -t, 1865, jii. dan. 1, 
1829, LA-dia J. Maxim, b. m Sweden around 1809, d. Oct. 2, 1898. 
Children :— Lorenzo D., h. July 10, 18;?1. d. Dec. 12, 1896; Ar- 
villa Cain, b. Dec. 30, 1833, ni. Keen, had 3 children, d. on home 
farm, Apr. <!4, 1865; Malissa B.. b. May 2, 1836, d. July 2, 1836; 
Lydia Jane, b. Aug. 2, 1839, d. Dec. 24, 1859; ('has. G., b. Aug. 
4, 1840, m. Pub. Mar. ?1, 1870, Addie Saunders, in Dixfield. 
Their dan., Helen, married, d. May 1908. ('has. G. was a sol- 
dier in the Civil War, Co. E, 5th Maine. Is a farmer in comfort- 
able circumstances on Weld street, Dixfield; Orlando D., b. May 
1, 1844. Residence, j^ampa, Idaho, rnmarried. He visited 
Peru in winter of 1908-9, at the lionu' of his childhood; Daniel 
Dexter, b. Aug. 30, 1846, m. May 18, 18T8, Augusta L., b. 1853, 
dau. of Luther Burgess and Lucy Decker. Wife d. Jan. 17. 1879. 
Xo issue. ]\farried 2nd, Aug. 26, 1879, Laura Burgess, a sister 
to first wife. Children :— Amy, b. 1882, d. Feb. 12, 1901 ; Eosie L. , 
Ernest 0.; Annis Smith, b. Aug. 9, 1849, m. James M. Hannaford 
of Paris. Live at Mechanic Falls. Residence of Daniel Dexter, 
Peru, till about 1907, when family removed to Leeds. He served 
in Co. I, 29th Me. Musician, Avar of 186L 

Lorenzo D. Delano m. Xov. 22. 1855, Fannie II., b. .hnu' 13,, 
1835, the dau. of Seth W. and ]']lnora dackson in Peru. Hus- 
band d. Dec. 12, 1896. Wife d. July 30, 1908. Children:— Oscar 
P., b. Aug. 23, 1856. m. May 12, 1883, Josephine ^l., dau. of 
Daniel and Henrietta 1). Fletcher. Xo issue. Hattie Matilda, b. 
Jan. 9, 1859, m. Lucellus D. Leadbetter; ^fary Angie, b. Apr. 25, 
1862, d. Se])t. 25, 1863; Lottie B., b. Dec. 29, 1864, m. Alfred C. 
Hammon. Childi'en : — Stanley d.. Lalea .M.. Stcwai't X. Resi- 
dence, Franklin Annex; Annie May, b. May 22, 1S71, m. dose]ih 
A. Putnam. Children :— Cecil L, Celon E., Ronello B., Hattie M., 
dau. b. May 2, 1909; Orlando L.. b. .\ov. 14, 1873. Residence, 
Idaho. I'nmarried. Visited home farm, owned by Oscar R., Jan. 
1909, in Peru. Deforest 0., m. 1st. Una Farrar, divorced, m. 2nd. 
Apr. 16, 1906, Carrie F. Rice, wid(nved. dau. ol' John F. Xute. b. 



HiSTOKV OF THE ToVVN OF PeRU 107 

Lincoln and Pauline Chishohn, b. i'r. Ed. Isld., son Louis Rice, by 
first m. This famih' live on lioine i'ann. formerl}^ the Snmnor Tv. 
^N'ewell farm. 

Demeritt 

Fiank JJenieritt, m. Feb. 18. 18G8, llosan P., dau. oE Lorenzo 
Knight and Relief E. Dui'ell. Children: — James L., b. Oct. 5, 
1868, m. 1st. Sarah A., dau. of John Smith of Pioneer, X. B. 
Wife d. Jan. 13. 1900. Had dau., Eva :\[ay, d. Oct. 26, 1897. He 
m, 2nd, Ardelle Mae N'adeau. This man has served on the police 
force at Eumford Falls a term of years; Edward S., b. Mar. 24, 
1870, m. Oct. 1. 1890, Ida J., dau. of Wm. Bui-gess. Have dau., 
Ethel :\r., b. Oct. Ifi. 1892: Charles (".. b. Feb. 11, 1877, m. Feb. 
1900, Nettie L., dau. of Granville Tlnirston of Pumford: Etta A. 
Demeritt. b. Jan. 12, 1885: Abbie M.. b. Apr. 3. 1887. m. Xov. 30, 
1910, John A. Mclntire of Dixfield. 

Frank Demeritt is one of Peru's ciiergetic. pi'osperous fai'ui- 
ers. He is a public benefactor, in setting apart a nice large 
plot of his farm for a public cemetery, a great convenience to this 
section of Peru. Etta A. Demeritt m. Dec. 21, 1910, Cecil L, 
son of Joseph A. Putnam, both of West Peru. 

Col. Thomas J. Demeritt, b. July 20, 1807, d. Mar. 1!>. ISWL 
His 1st wife. Avis B., d. July 21, 1850. Children :—Abby P., b. 
in N". H., Oct. 4, 1844: George d.. h. in Y. H. Xov. 1, 1815, a Pvt, 
Co. F, 20tli Me., d. Api-.20, 1804, buried Grand (V)ve. La.: Mary 
F., b. N. H., Oct. 19, 1846, m. in Peru, Oct. 8, 1867, (ieo. E. Hall, 
son of Liberty Hall, one of the nine Hall brothers. 

Col. Demeritt m. 2nd, Xov. 18. 1850, Hannah L., b. Feb. 14, 
1815, dau. of David Atkins. Wife d. Mar. 2, 1854. Children:— 
Yesta Ellen, b. Sej^t. 18. 1851. ni. Willis l)earI)orn in Aulnirn. Me. 
Children: — Edna, Eva, Ivt-na, Calvin Willis. ITe m. 3(1 Pub. 
July 19, 1851, Lucretia IL, b. Eivcnuorr. May 25. 1822, d. Peru, 
Oct. 'i2, 1902, a sister of 2nd wife. Children: Emily B., b. dune 
15, d. Dec. 1855; Jesse Fremont, b. June 21. 1856, m. Leavitt M. 
Knight; Ardella Elizabeth, b. duly 30. 1858, m. Geo. L. Powe; 
Elmer Elllsworth, b. May 8. lS(il. ni. May 10. 1889, Valerie L., b. 
Mar. 23, 1868, dau. of Wm. IT. and Maiictta J. Hodgdon of Ep- 
ping, X. H. Children :— Ariel 1. Denu-ritt, b. Mar. 15, 1897; Ed- 
ward Selden, b. Mar. 4, d. Ai)r. 3. 18<i6. l<:inicr l^llswoi'tli and 
wife are prosperous farmers at AVest Peru. 



108 Hr,STOi;Y or Tin: 'J'owx or Pkru 

Dyer 

Eleazer J'arsoiis Dvit. 1). IJayiiiond. son of Thomas Dyei', b. 
Cape Elizaljetli. in. I'lih. Oot. G. 18o(). Mary M. Ranlett. Xo 
chiklieii. TlicA' IIvcmI in a small cottage on Green AVoods road, 
beyond AVorthly Pond, near Sumner. He liad but little arable 
land, and worked out some fOr tlioir support. His enterprise and 
calculation proved insufficient for the path he had mapped out. 
Ere long he neglected wife and left her to care for herself. He 
was brother to wife of AVm. Cox, also to 2nd wife of Thaddeus 
Oldham, Jr. Parsons Dyer shifted about ever after, living in 
Cox family, on Town Farm and finally with Elias S. Oldham, where 
lie d. Mar. 9, 1905, ae. 77 yrs. There Avere other settlers near 
by the Dyer place l)efore the Avar, one Avhere the relics of the old 
orchard is seen. The last occu^jant of the Dyer cottage was 
Stephen E. Cothell and wife. He enlisted in the 12th Me. Eegt. 
in 1863, from Canton, joined command at Camp Parapet in 
Apr. 1864. ITe suffered from army disahilit}', aggravated by im- 
prudence in diet, was sent to liospital from Tenlytown, Aug. 1864, 
where he d. of disease Oct. 7, 1864. Caleb Delano of Canton in 
same Eegt. was killed at battle of Winchester, Sept. 19, 1864. 

Decoster Family 

James SuliAan Decoster came from Bucklleld to Peru in 
early forties and located on the Stephen Gammon place adjoin- 
ing the Francis Waite farm. He was able to pay down on this 
purchase and had a comfoi table home for his children Avhile they 
grew up. He worked out by the day much of the time rather 
than cultivate his farm, and make improvements. After about 
sixteen yeai's store bills for the necessities of life Avere alloAvecA to 
accumulate. First a mortgage on the coa\% foUoAved by mortgage 
on farm and Avar prices of farm products and all goods resulted 
in a sale of his farm to Jonas Greene, and Mr. Decnster returned 
Avith family to Buckfield during the Civil War. 

He m. Charlotte Skillings, a sister to 2nd AA^ife of Stej^hen 
Gammon. Childicn b. in Peru, .lohn Decoster, b. Sept. 26, 
1844. Enlisted in Co. D, 12th Eegt. ]\Ie. Vols., Dec. 1863, dis- 
charged Aj)i'. 18, 18(i(i. Pending serAiee he had sickness of 
measles and typho malaiinl fever. I'esulting in mental and piiy- 
sical incapacity. He vas a pauper nu town of Buckfield in 1891, 
granted a pension undci- ninety law in 1892 as insane. Wilson 
ShaAV, aaurdian. Chihhvn: — Arthur Leroy, b. -Ian. 21, 1848. 



HisTOiiY or THE Towx OF Peru 109 

Writer ]-eceived a letter from him post marked Deronda, AV'is., 
Aug. 3, 1903. Letter was addressed to Postmaster, Peru, in- 
quiring after old associates. Correspondence was opened with Mr. 
0. C. Hopkins; Frances Abhy, b. Dec. 23, 1850; Clara Delora, b. 
Aug. Q, 1853; Flora Arabell, b. May 19, 1857. John D. Decoster 
was living with his second guardian in Hartford, when iu the 
late fall or early winter of 1903, he suicided by hanging. 

Theodore S. Downes 

Theodore S. Downes, ac. 38 yrs. S. Must, on quota of Mexico, 
Aug. 14, 18G2, Pvt. Co. D, 16th Me. He was accidentally wound- 
ed ISTov. 4, 1862 and discharged Dec. 13, 1862. Such is his war 
record. He married, wife unknown to writer. The family and 
two of their children were residents of Peru around 1879, living 
probably on the Chas. York place, or in that vicinity. Their dau. 
Evelyn was with them off and on. She m. subsequently, July 15, 
1883, AYm. Coffren of Phillips and left town. John F. Downes 
m. Feb. 18, 1879, Eldora E., dau. of Josiah Frost. They lived 
several years at West Peru on road to Ed. Falls. Wife d. Mar. 10, 
1901. The last Imown of John, he was tending stable at Lew- 
istou. Theodore S. Downes was invalid by reason of loss of right 
hand and arm, and unable to support self and wife. When a man 
of his years volunteers for $12 per month to endure the hardship, 
privation and exposure of a soldier, to engage in battle with can- 
non and uiusket, for the American flag, he should be revered, 
though he sleep in a pauper's grave. Wheeler Tracy, Peleg 
Mitchell and Mr. Downes and others are of this class in service. 
Mr. Downes passed this life in 1882. ae. 58 3^rs., U. S. marker 
in Dickvale Cemetery, bears his name, Co. and Eegt. 

Davis 

Geo. H. Davis, b. Oct. 16, 1825, d. Oct. 2, 1898. Settled at 
East Peru in 1859. m. around 1848, Caroline P. Glass, of Canton. 
She d. 1908 in family of daughter, in Sumner. Their residence 
was near the school house at East Peru, now the T. J. Rolls 
place. Children :— Isaiah Davis, b. Mar. 21, 1849; Euth M., b. 
Jan. 22, 1851, d. Sept. 17, 1852 at East Peru; Charles H., b. Dec. 
•31, 1852, d. Jan. 25. 1862; Franklin Pierce, b. Jan. 26, 1855; 
Samuel, b. . Eesidence in 1893 was Berlin, IST. H. ; Cath- 
erine L., b. Dec. 23, 1859, in Peru; Charles, b. June 26, 1869. 
Eesidence, Berlin, X. H., 1899, unmarried; Hacker, b. was a 



110 Hl8T01{Y OF TilK ToWX OF ]~*ERU 

)iu'iiil)iM- of Co. J, lUst ^le. lie in., had several cliildi'en. Eesi- 
(leiu-e last known in tSuniner. He is a pensioner. 

(ieo. H. Davis and Caroline P. were divorced by decree of court, 
Scpi. -M, ISSl. He 111. -^nd Pub. De-. 11, 1883, Sarah E., widow 
.uT Daniel llaines. She Mas the dau. of Alpheus Burgess. Their 
son, James (i., h. iVov. 3S, 1887; Sarah P.. d. Aug. 24:, 1890; 
(ieo. H. ni. 3d, June 23, 1892, Luc}^ A. Webber (widow) at Au- 
gusta, Me. Tliey mo^ed to Canton village where he d. Oct. 2, 
1898. Geo. H. Davis served in Co. G, 10th Me. Was a pension- 
-er. His widow is a pensioner at Canton village. 

Cyrus Dorr 

Cyrus Dorr, 1). Mar. 22. ls:\r,. d. June 17, 18«2. m. Oct. 17, 
1858, Zerviah B. Weaver, h. July 22, 1839, d. Sept. 3, 1889. 
Children :— Cora May, b. I\'ov. 22, 1859, ni. Philip, son of Wm. 
Andrew: Ella C, b. Apr. 10, 1861. ni. Samuel P. Robinson, Dec. 
6. 1888; May P., b. Jan. 28, 1866 : Olived Lena, b. May 8, 1871, 
m. Dec. 6, 1888, Chas. :\ritclie]l : Eva Edell, b. Apr. 4, 1874, m. 
Dec. 25, 1905, Chas. ]\[at]iews; Cyrus I., b. June 18, 1876, m. 
1903, Lillian Knapp. 

Davenport 

Cyrus, b. Wayne, Aug. 20, 1823, d. Peru, Sept. 33, 1906, son 
of Jonathan B. and Luc}- (Stevens) Davenport, m. Lucy P., b. 
June 6, 1828, d. Oct. 6, 1907, dau. of Jacob Allen and Johanna 
Bryant. This family came to Peru in 1850 and settled on High 
street, so called. His farm was formerl}' the residence of Gustavus 
York. Children : — Herbei't B. Davenport m. Eunice Mariah 
Bray. Residence, Turnei'; Prcd IT., residence, Souih Auburn; 
Mary L., b. May 27, 1S58, m. Elmer W. Knox; Ellen d. young; 
Leonard H., m. Elnora B.. dau. of Wm. L. Knight. Their son, 
Ernest W., m. dau. of Clias. Xewton. Di.vfielrl. Child : — ^A son 
b. Mar. 21. 1910. 

Cyrus Dunn 

Cyrus Dunn, b. Poland. I\le., 1814, son of Josiah and Lillis 
Jordan, b. Poland, and wife Sopliia P., b. 1813, d. Mar. 37, 1869. 
Mr. Dunn came to Peru in the forties. He bought tlie brick house 
near the cemetery at West Peru and made bricks on land subse- 
quently owned by J. M. Demerritt. He was a mason by trade and 
the first one in those vears who Ijuilt chimnevs that would carry 



HiSTORV OF THE TOWX OF VeUU 111 

sinoki". He buili Union Hall and the school room in 18(50, lay- 
ing most of the brick liimsell'. Ho was an enterprising" man. He 
made a clearing on I'eni side of J^>hiek Mountain and got several 
acres ill grass, built a barn tliei'e and tilled it with hay. He built 
a saw mill up there near a small ravine where melting snows form- 
ed a water ])()wer sufficient to I'un an up and down saw while the 
snow nu'lted. He sought the location of a county road from Dick- 
vale, leading near the fool of Mt. Dick through the divide to 
Worthly Pond. He had the route bushed out and viewed by the 
County Commissioners. At a hearing before the officials one of 
petitioners was asked relative to the varying elevation of the 
route through. The reply was: Going one way it is perfectly 
le\el. the reverse is a leetle rising." The ])etition was denied 
and mountain, farm and le.ill were jd)andoned. Drifting snow 
broke bain roof down. Children: — \'alinore Augustin, b. Mar. 17, 
1810; Sarah Emery, b. Feb. 16, IS-f^, m. Pub. Apr. 9. 1864, Vir- 
gil ]). Hillings. Woodstock: Clara 8ophifi, b. Mar. 16, 1844, m. 
Feb. ]4. 186;5. Ahram Doble; Charles D., b. Mar. 4, 1848, m. Pub. 
Xov. 3. 186(i, Addie H. Spofford. Milton: Cvius P,.. b. Oct. "38, 
1855. 

A'alniore A. worked blacksmithing several years on Back street, 
"West of Hidge road, on llipley Knox place. He was rated a good 
horse shoer. IJesidence last known, .Sumner. He m. 1st June 
18. 185!), Avilda. b. June ?1, 1842, dan. of Ellianan Ford. She 
d. Xov. 6. ISSl. Their children :— Lena E.. b. Xov. 21, 1859, m. 
Xov. 24. 1802. d. June 30, 1893, David (_'. Mclntire, Xew Glouces- 
ter, Me.: Minnie Etta, 1). Feb. 2. 1862, m. June 16, 1885 Daniel 
Lunt, Falmouth; Lewis M., b. Mar. 4, 1865, m. Jan. L 1888, Effie 
M. Burgess. Their dau. Florence E., b. Mar. 31, 1892, d. Sept. 
20, 1892; Xettie S., b. Feb. 12. 1867. m. Oct. 1886, Elmer E. 
Howe. Residence, Hanover. Me. A'alinore A. m. 2nd, Minnie 
Dyer of South Lewiston. He m. 3d, Georgic i^'lla Dyer, sister to 
former wife. Xo issue b}' last wives. Yalmorc A. tended a clap- 
board machine in the Hisliop saw mill at West Pern around the 
middle fifties, that cut the large sj)ruce trees on his father's lot on 
Black Mountain into nice clear clapboard, eight or nine inches 
wide, from the round log. 

Cyrus Dunn m. 2nd Pub. May 29, 1869. ^^fargaret 0. Akely 
of Milton. He d. June 30, 1897, ae. 82 yrs. 8 mos. Daniel Lunt, 
who married his granddaughter, taught several terms of school in 
Peru prior to his marriage, and was very popular as a teacher. He 
is the son of Benj. Lunt and Lucy Mclntire, a sister to our towns- 



112 History of the Towx of Peru 

man, Henry 8. Mclntire, and a si>t(.M- to David Mclntire before- 
mentioned. This race of Lnnts eanie from Xewlnirvport and no 
kin to Peru Liints. 

Deshon 

Daniel Deshon first appears on Phin. record Mar. 1818. His 
wife, Salome, was the mother of twelve cliiklren. He was one of 
the few earl}^ settlers whose posterity yet occupy the old home- 
stead, in the third generation of the family name. Melville T,,. 
grandson of the pioneer, still maintains the homestead in flourish- 
ing condition. Children : — Eliza J., h. Aug. 24, 1800, m. John- 
Conant in Peru; Elmira, b. Dec. 9, 1803, d. June 30, 1805; John 
M., b. July 1, 1805, d. Apr. 4, 1880. His health was poor when 
a young man, and he was advised by Dr. Geo. \Y. Turner of 
Dixfield to drive a peddle cart. He foimd by experience it helped 
his dyspeptic trouble, and this shaped his career through life. He 
became a prominent and prosperovis merchant and for many years 
a banker at Canton village. He was in trade fifty years, and the 
heaviest man financially of the town. He m. 1st June 21, 1835, 
Polly Hall, the widow of Jonathan Hall of Peru. They had no 
issue. Wife d. Mar. 13, 1836. He m. 2nd July 4, 1843, Sarah K. 
Eipley of Peru. No issue. He adopted one of his brother's sons, 
Herbert, by name, who succeeded him in his store and trade. John 
M. d. Apr. 4, 1880. His wife Sarah d. May 20, 1901. Mr. Deshon 
contributed to relieve debts on the homes of two of his sister Eliza's 
children, Mary and Lovina, thus securing to them homes, now 
occupied by their children. 

Daniel Deshon was frequently seen on Sundays walking up the 
aisle of the old meeting house with stately tread and a gold headed 
cane in hand, in old time church going days. He d. Sept. 9, 
1858, ae. 84 yrs. His wife d. Sept. 27, 1857, ae. 79 yrs. Other 
children :— Daniel G., b. May 20, 1807; Eliger, b. Jan. 15, 1809; 
Moses, b. Dec. 1810; Thomas M., b. Feb. 24, 1813; Poasel P., b. 
Oct. 31, 1814 ; Chas. F., b. Oct. 30, 1816 ; Lorenzo D., b. Dec. 13, 
1819, d. July 21, 1821; Orlando, b. May 14, 1822. It is related 
that Daniel Webster once said that JST. H. was a good state to- 
emigrate from. It would seem that the above children, with the 
exception of Chas. F., believed that Peru was a good town to 
emigrate from and they left town early in life. Chas. F. continued 
on home farm through life, d. Mar. 3, 1891. He m. Oct. 2, 1843, 
Jenette L., b. Buckfield, Mar. 10, 1823, d. Xov. 11, 1901, dau. of 
Peleg Mitchell and Mary Snell, b. Turner. Mr. Deshon was an 



o 



2 ^ 



p p 




History of the Towx of Peru 113 

enterprising farmer and stone cutter, a good ueiglil)or. He found- 
ed East Pern cemetery, and supplied a long needed want. He will 
go down in history as a public benefactor. Children : — Bosa- 
mond, b. July 14. 18-i;J, d. July 1(), lS(i3 : C'has. Albert. 1). .Ta^. 25, 
1846. soldier Co. I, 29th Me., m. Pub. Apr. 19, 1869, Lucy E. 
Merrill, b. Corham, X. H. Their son. Cbas. AY., d. Jan. 12, 1899, 
ae. 2 yrs. Soldier d. 1899. Twins, Mary Jenette and Harriet 
Salome, b. Jan. 27, 1848. The former d. Feb. 21, 1863; Susan 
Lindsey, b. Dec. 9, 1849, m. Pub. Xov. 19, 1868. Alphonse W. 
Ellis in Canton; Matilda Jane. b. Dec. 4, 1851, d. Oct. 16, 1869; 
Thomas M., b. May 1, 1854; Ida Hoxana, b. Mar. 5, 1855; Lillian 
Flora, b. May 6, 1858, m. Caleb E. Marsh Dec. 26, 1874. Their 
dau., Nettie M., d. ae. 7 yrs. ; AYallace Deshon, b. Sept. 6, 1860, d. 
Aug. 31, 1861: Melville T. b. May 1, 1853, m. 1st Fel). 22, 1875, 
Addie J. Marsh. Wife d. May 20, 1884, ae. 28 yrs. 4 mos. 17 dys. 
Their children, Wallace S., who m. Mamie Heath of Gorham, X. H., 
and Ellis F., Melville T. m. 2nd, Mabel C. Kidder of Canton, had 
two children. Addie, who m. John Berry of Hartford, and Dott. 
Wife d., m. 3d Apr. 3, 1907, Lena C, dau. of Chas. H. and Matilda 
J. (White) Kidder. 

Eastman 

Victor A. Eastman, b. Xov. 1885, son of Dana Eastman, m. 
Oct. 26, 1910. Zephyr McGraw, both of Peru. Eosidence. West 
Peru village. 

Freeman 

Here in 1821. There was a family of colored people among 
the earl}^ settlers consisting of Sampson and Catherine Freeman 
and four children, Peggy, Jane, Rhody and Jefferson. They lived 
and died on High street, known as the Knox neighborhood. The 
last two were born 1806 and 1809, respectively. Mr. Freeman was 
one of the members who founded the Baptist Church in Peru in 
1818. Mr. Freeman was living June 23, 1827 and exi:)elled from 
church. Intemperate. 

Frazier 

Thomas, d. Aug. 8, 1855, ae. 82 yrs., and Abigail Frazier were 
residents of Peru as early as 1824 or earlier. Mrs. Frazier a. 
Feb. 21, 1847, ae. 68 yrs. They were located below the Albert S. 
Holman farm, East Peru, on what was the Haskell place after- 
wards. Children born before coming to Peru. Joseph P., b. Feb. 



Ill History of the Town of Peru 

28, 1799; Zilpali B.. b. Mar. 2, 1801; Onin E., b. Jan. 22, 1803, d. 
Aug. 3, 1883; Sumuer, b. May 15, 1806, d. June 19, 1850; At\an, 
b. May 1, 1808; Mary, b. May 27, 1812; Sarah Jane, b. Sept. 1, 
1814, m. Levi Lunt in Peru; Louisa, b. Aug. 16, 1817. Thougb 
these chiklren are recorded as residents of the town, writer believes 
but few of them lived here ; Sumner, m. Pul). May 2-1, 1833, Sarah 
R. Tilson, d. Mar. 1, 1850. Children :— Elmer A., b. Jan. 20, 1838, 
d. at E. Sumner. His widow is living there; Albunus K. M., b. 
Apr., d. Dec. 1814. Orrin E. and wife, Lucy C. Frazier. The lat- 
ter d. JSTov. 20, 1875, ae. 75 yrs. 23 dys. Thomas Frazier served in 
place of Jacob Brown, Selectman, in 1829. 

French Family 

William F. and Elois (Barnell) French and a good family of 
children were residents on the East side of Worthly Pond, well up 
and near the Hiram Oldham place, in late thirties and early for- 
ties. Birth of children represents they came from Windham. Mr. 
French was an old time shoe maker, who cut and made shoes by 
measure of feet, from honest leather, that did honest service; no 
split leather or hot liquor tanning; shoes that fitted the feet. They 
would command a big price in these days of sham and shoddy. 
Children: — Mary A., b. Apr. 10, 1818, m. Daniel L. Conant; 
Joseph B., b. Feb. 6, 1820 ; Susan, b. Oct. 2, 1823, m. 1st, Daniel 
Gammon, parted. 2nd, John Williams in Portland; Eunice, b. 
Aug. 15, 1825, m. Eleazer A. Poland; Wm. F., b. Nov. 16, 1827, 
m. in Portland, had son, Charles and dau. Elizabeth, both dead; 
Elizabeth, b. Apr. 29, 1832, d. 1890, m. Eben Small in Portland. 
He d. Their dau., Georgia, m. Melvin Hodgdon in Portland. 

Fernald 

Eecord shows family, Edmond and Betsey Fernald and son, 
Isaiah, b. Oct. 21, 1820. Eesidence, Peru in 1821. 

Lysander Foster 

Lysander Foster, a farmer on the hill range above the Bassett 
buildings, in the vicinity of Worthly Pond m. May 10, 1810, 
Polly, dau. of Sylvanus Poland. Children: — Mary Jane, b. July 
13, 1841, m. Jan. 12, 1862, John F. Gowell. Had two children, 
Frank E., b. Jan. 26, 1863; Etta F., b. Mar. 28, 1864; Lysander 
P. Foster, b. Oct. 7, 1843, Pvt. Co. F, 23d Me., d. in IT. S. service 



Hi,sToi;Y or the Towx of Peru 115 

near Edwards Ferry, June 24, 18G3 ; Benj. C, b. jSTov. 6, 1845, m. 
Jan. 27, 1868, Almedia E. Irish. This son and wife and his par- 
ents moved to Hartford, Me. Lysander Foster d. Feb. 15, 1886, 
ae. 74 yrs. 10 mos. Wife d. Sept. 14, 1888, ae. 74 yrs. 3 mos. 
Imogene, wife of Edward C. Allen, d. Sept. 20, 1894, ae. 23 yrs., 
the dan. of Benj. C. Irish. 

Benjamin Fletcher 

One of the pioneer settlers at Worthly Pond was an old sol- 
dier in war of 1812-14, Benj., b. July 5, 1798, the son of Thomas 
and Hepzibali Fletcher. Thomas and Hepzibah Fletcher both b. 
in Dunstable, Mass., b. Mar. 12, 1762. d. Apr. 25, 1843; b. Nov. 
22, 1765, d. Sept. 4, 1854. Both in graves at Worthly Pond Cem- 
etery, Pern. His wife, Mary, b. Dec. 12, 1796, d. Jan. 19, 
1855. Mr. Fletcher d. Aug. 22, 1882, lived to be over 84 
years old. He came from Massachusetts. Children : — Mary Jane 
Field, b. 'Nov. 7, 1827, m. around 1865, Benj. E. Irish, a soldier in 
10th Me.; Stephen E. Fletcher, m. Pub. June 10, 1843, Lovesta 
Young. Children :— Nathaniel F., b. Aug. 11, 1843; Benj. Hill, 
b. Mar. 14, 1846 ; Emma A., b. May 24, 1848. This family left 
town around 1850 and were lost trace of. 

Ford Brothers 

Two brothers, Geo. W. and Elhanan Ford, b. Oct. 18, 1808, d. 
Oct. 18, 1888, Avith their families were in town in the late for- 
ties, and the latter continued till the middle fifties or past. Geo. 
W. and Caroline Ford had dau. Sarah Celestia, b. June 6, 1847. 
Angeline M. Ford, a sister of the brothers, m. Merrill Ivniglit, 2nd, 
and lived in Sumner where she died in 1848. Probably this was 
the native town of the Ford family. Capt. Elhanan was a black- 
smith at what is now Djckvale, a term of years and raised a fam- 
ily of children there. His dau.. Avilda, b. June 21, 1842, m. 
Jime 18. 1859, Valmore A. Dunn. Capt. Ford's wife, Emily, b. 
Feb. 11. 1814, d. Fel). 11, 1898. Other children were Angeline M., 
who m. 1st, Orison Gammon, at Canton. She left him before the 
war and m. 2nd a Mr. Dresser in Turner, with whom slie lived 
happily and had one daughter, Caroline Ford, b. May 8, 1830, m. 
Elias H. Lovejoy. Emily, b. Feb. 22, 1853, m. John Ham in Au- 
burn. Samuel Adelbert, b. July 27, 1847. Augusta m. Thaddeus 
White in Dixfield. Another dau. m. Isaac Heath in Sumner. 
This family were honorable, industrious citizens. The daugh- 



116 IlisToitY (n-- 'L'lri-: Towx of Peru 

teis wvYv all .i^-ood \vi\es, hoiie.^t and true. It was no fault ni' lior 
that one left her hushand. 

Fletcher (A Separate Race) 

Daniel Fletcher, b. Oct. 15, 1831 and wife, Henrietta D., b. 
Oct. 1), l.SoS, the dau. of Jonathan Bnek. The town of Buck- 
field derived its name from him. Mr. rietcher is one of Peru's 
well to do farmers, a noted stock raiser. He has a thrifty farm 
and a thrifty household of four generations. Three married couple 
all complete and offspring.- This is rarely found in town, 1009. 
Chddren :— Clifton K., b. Mar. 25. 1869. d. July 7. 1876 ;Everett 
B., b. Feb. 7, 1858, m. Oct. 12. 1879, Cora B. Knight, b. Sept. 19, 
1860: Josephine M., b. Apr. 151. 1860. m. Jan. 1, 1881, Oscar R. 
Delano. Xo issue. Children of Everett B. : — Grace G., b. July 
10, 1887, d. May 33, 1903; Mary M.. b. May 7, 1880, m. May 7, 
1898, James Shea, residence, Pd. Falls; Jennie E. b. N'ov. 3, 1893; 
Clifton D., 1). May 10, 1883, m. Sept. 8, 1903, Carrie E. Perry of 
N. B. Their children :— Grace, b. Aug. 17, 1904; Gladys, b. June 
3, 1906. 

James Fletcher 

James Fletcher, a native of Sumner, m. Nov. 26, 1831, Lucy, 
the dau. of Natlianiel Jackson, who lived in Avinter of 1839 and 
181-0 on the first farm cleared in town. He was there prior to the 
date of the above marriage. Mr. Fletcher and family moved to 
Peru in the early thirties. He first located at foot of Worthly 
Pond; worked at trade of blacksmith. He was the first to occupy 
the Stephen Gammon store that was made a dwelling house on 
Avriter's farm, designed for the home of Orville Knight, but pre- 
vented by the sudden death of his father. It being a part of the 
Goin Knight farm. Children of Fletclier: — Phidelia, 1). and d. 
Jan. 1836; Eunice A., b. 1837, m. Nathan B. Harlow, Peru; Mary 
Ann, m. James Stuai't, Massachusetts; Eliza, m. Orin Hulil^ard, 
Dixfield ; Jane d. young; Timothy, h. 1811, d. on farm Aug. 19, 
1845. cart body fell on him; Nathaniel, b. Oct. 20, 1844. did not 
marry, d. at Dixfield Ctr. Jan. 1905; Sally Fletcher, b. Nov. 20, 
1845! d. a maid; Julia Joan, 1). Nov. 27. 1847; Jidia, 1). Feb. 28, 
1849, 111. A]>r. lS(i(), Ecander Bowhv, had dau.. I.clia. ]>. V.nv. 7, 
1867. Bo\\l(",\- d. Api-. 1.S6S. widow ni. Alh'U Smith. Middlehui'y, 
Mass., had dau.. Mildi'od, b. 1876; Pufus Seavery, 1). Aug. 2. 1850; 
John, h. Feh. 2S, 1852. Mr. Fli'tchcr worked farming several 



Hi.sTt)i;Y OF 'riii; Tow x of \'\:uv 11? 

years, lastly at blacksniithing at Centre. ITo removed to Seavery 
Hill, Dixfield, where lie and wife d. Both I)uried same day in Feb. 

isrt?. 

Fobes Brothers 

Three brothers of Fobes family of Bucktield were early settlers 
in Peru. Benjanjin ni. ni-oimd ISOO, a sister of Stephen CTammon 
and settK'd jiiior to iS^Ji on the North side of Lary Hill, it being a 
])aiT (d Wm. (iillespie's rami. 11H)S. Childroii : — Anna. b. Aug. 6. 
ISO], ni. Siiiu'iiH i>ra(k('rT : Arsa. b. Apr. 22, 1801, m. William, b. 
duly MO. ISOI). Wife died. Benjamin, m. '^nd, Bethia, a 
sister to Seth l.'oberts. Their ehildren: — Fliza, h. Aug. -38, 1808, 
dill not many: BetliiM. h. Jan. IS, ISVi, m. Apr. 10, 18:U. Timo- 
thy Fuddeii. (I. dan. "M, is;!(;: Xi'lsoii, li. Mar. 2:\. ISld. did not 
m., d. in tov.n: Betsey, b. .Jan. 181 ;, m. Fel). 1-"). 1811, Orin Wal- 
ton in Canton, had a sou, Orville K. Parents lujtli dead. Or- 
ville K. in. Maiy Amanda, dan. of Wm. PabI). ^\'ife d. Aug. 1?. 
1901. Husband living in Peru. 

William and wife Sarah Fobes. Children: — Andrew, 1). July 
5, 1835: Caroline F., b. May 19. 18;57 : ("has. W., b. :\Iay 2^, 1839. 
Family in AFassaehusetts. Arza, a brother of Benj. ni. ^lay 25, 
18-38. dane. b. duly 13, 1810 dau. of Amos Knight. Children: — 
Caroline, b. Xov. 26, 18?8. m. Mr. McCann. Meehanie Falls; 
Henry, b. May -.^3, 1830, d. Lvnn. Mass.: Adonis, h. Dee. U, 1831, 
d. Fynn: ilelvina, b. May '39. 1S;U. d. Lynn: Benj., b. June 7, 
183T. d. in ('ivil War; Amos L.. 1). dune 11. 1839, residence, Me- 
chanic Falls: Sophrona F.. b. Apr. Id, 1813. d. young: John, 
di-i)\vned at i'ortland. Me.; Frank, married. I'esidence, ^rechanie 
Falls: Oscar, single, ^fechanie Falls. 

/odac. a brolher of Benj. Fobes, also Aiza. came to Peru after 
incorporation. He m. Judith Eoberts, sister to Seth. Children: 
—Daniel West. b. around 18-30. in Bucklield : Betsey, b. Jan. 25, 
1803: Flizabeth, Marshall. Fymau. Oi'ill mai'iied. went to Fox- 
croft; M.arinda, Susan married a .Mi-. \A'liite and died in Bos- 
ton: Philena. l?ebecca. b. in Peru. One son died at BmkHeld 
T(.wii F'arm : Daniel ^\'.. m. May 10. 1810, ?klariam Hall of Buck- 
field. He d. Apr. 4. ISGii. Children :— Patience, b. Mar. 18, 
LS11. m. in ]\Iass. : Sylpbiia A., b. Dec. 19, 1813. m. rmphrey 
Herriek. :\lcchaiiic Falls. Wife d. there: dniia Parker, b. Oct. 
19. LSKi: Lucy Ann H., b. Xov. :!, 1817, m. Poscoe (i. Xewell. 
Parted, remarried in Mass.; Flnu'r, b. 1851, d. young; Martha F., 
b. 18.54-: Cordelia, b. 1S5(i: Wnion. h. iSfiO. After death of Mv. 



118 History of tiiio Town of Pfku 

Fobes, widow and children wont to j\[ass. Mr. Zadoc Fobes was 
a Christian. It is related that when in the field hoeing corn, he 
had near by, his altar for prayer where he was accustomed to pray 
to God in loud, earnest tone for His blessing. He was gifted in 
prayer. His residence was on High street. Marshall, who did 
not marry, lived and died there. Prior to his ascension he was 
converted, filled with the Spirit from on high, and so great was 
his joy that his shouts wei'e heard clearly half a mile away. Daniel 
W. was converted from a j^rofanc man to a humble Christian sev- 
eral years after marriage. 

Henry F. Floyd 

Henry F. Floyd came from Kew Hampshire. He m. Martha 
Ann, b. Oct. 29, 1845, dau. of Jedediah P. Hopkins. They owned 
and lived on the JSTathan Walker farm in tlic eighties and Avere well 
to do farmers there a term of years. Mr. Floyd next engaged in 
trade at West Peru village and exchanged his farm for a stand in 

Pines on road to Rd. Falls. Children: — Florence L., m. — ■■ 

Hunton ; Flora E., m. Flavil Knight; Arthur H., m. July 27, 1901, 

Lucy M. Eastman, b. Dec. 1880; Alice M., m. ■ Babb in 

Mexico; Mabel L., m. Mar. 18, 1905, Julius H. Turner in Hart- 
ford; Henrietta E., ae. 22, m. June 26, 1910, Elwin C. Knox, ae. 
20, son of Elvin C. and Lizzie T. Knight. Their residence is with 
wife and her mother in Pines. Mrs. Martha Ann Floyd (divorced) 
d. at home in Pines, Aug. 23, 1910. She was a faithful, indus- 
trious wife and mother. She labored hard under adverse cir- 
cumstances and endured much abuse, that she might care for her 
children, till sin broke the family ties between husband and wife 
and she broke down under the strain, the fruits of rank infidelity. 
Too bad a man of fine abilities should prove a failure. 

Family of Arthur 11. and Lucy M. Floyd. Wife was the dau. 
of Aldana Eastman and x\lice Burgess the dau. of Alpheus Bur- 
gess. Children:— Walter L. Floyd, 1). Sept. 8, 1901; Arthur L., 
b. Jan. S, 1903; Arlene M., b. Dec. 19, 190-1, b. Jan. 1, 1910, a son. 
Arthur H. is a respectalile, enterprising young man. He is a mill 
operator at Dixfield. Eesidence, West Peru. 

Frosts of Peru 

The Fi'osts of Peru are descended from Wm. Frost, a drum- 
mgr in the Revolutionary army, who came to Monmouth in 1801. 
It is claimed that a majority of his descendants have been born 



History of the Town of Peru 119 

with a pair of drumsticks in their liauds, due to the blood of tlie 
drummer becoming surcharged witli the ardor of his service, as he 
rattled the snares to inspire his compatriots to action. He settled 
at Xorth Monmouth a short time and removed to Winthrop. He 
was the father of five children, Wm. Jr., IsToah, Moses, John and 
Lydia. Xoah moved to Wayne: Lydia m. Geo., the son of Capt. 
Peter Hopkins and removed to Belfast where he died. Xoah was 
the progenitor of the Frosts of Peru (father of ('has.) and Wm. 
those of Wayne. The Frost family have a war record seldom 
equalled in town, in present and past generations. ISToah Frost of 
Wayne was a Pvt. in Capt. Haskell's Co., -ith. Eegt. Maine Militia 
in service at Wiscasset, Bath and vicinity in 1811. He in. 1st, 
Pub. Xov. 25, 180-1 in Wayne, Polly Ward of Harlem. Wife died. 
He m. 2nd, Pub. Feb. 1, 1806, Sally Hammon of Leeds. Two sons 
settled in Peru around the middle thirties. Chas. H., b. 1815, d. 
July 14, 1861, m. July 28, 1836, Harriet, b. Aug. 18, 1818, dau. 
of Samuel Burgess of Peru. Children : — Benj. Franklin, b. Dec. 
18, 1836, enlisfpd Pvt. in 13th Me., died in service at Xew Or- 
leans; Josiah, b. May 26, 1838; Cliarles \Ym., b. Oct. 23, 1839, 
soldier in 5th Me., Co. K, killed at Spottsylvania, ae. 26 yrs. ; 
Charles, Jr., b. Oct. 21, 184:0, killed at Coal Harbor in Co. Iv, 5th 
Me.; Sylvester, b. Oct. 30, 1843, enrolled in 1861, Co. F, 9th Me.; 
Albert A., b. July 10, 1848, m. Ida, dau. of Telotson Wing; Har- 
riet E., b. Dee. 21, 1850, m. Beuj. Burgess. Widow Harriet d. 
May 20. 1882. Tlie other son, Alden, m. Oct. 22, 1838, Mercy 
Austin, a sister of Luther. Children : — Anna Frost, b. July 30, 
1810; Alice Phinney Frost, b. June 2, 1844, m. Orlando Eastman, 
a soldier of Mexico. He lived at West Peru after the war, long 
enough to gain a residence. Widow Mercy m. Daniel Hall, May 
3, 1885. After his death she lived with Eastman and wife till 
her death at E. Rumford. Xext wife of Eastman d. and last he 
died at John Au&tin's, Jr. in Peru annex to Rumford. 

Josiah Frost, b. May 2(), 1831, m. May 8. 1859, Chloe J., b. 
May 10, 1839, dau. of John and Savila A. Burgess of Peru. He d. 
July 17, 1902. Wife d. Jan. 1, 1901. Children:— Wni. F., b. 
May 10, 1862, m. Aug. 23, 1885, Piuth A. Welch of Paris, b. Aug. 
10, 1864. Children of Wm. F:— Arthur C, Maggie .AL. Ruth 
Annie, Leona, d. young. Bernice C. Wm. F., Jr.. Sibyl Irene. 
Residence, Dixfield; Eldora E., h. Xov. 9, 1861. m. John 
Downes. Wife d. Mar. 10, 1901. Oscar L., b. July 28, 1860, m. 
Cora, dau. of Samuel Lovejoy. Their son Grover Cleveland, ae. 
23 yrs., Oct. 31, 1908, m. Jessie E. Bonney of Buckfield. Resi- 



i'iO PIisi'OKv OF Til i; Town' oi' P\:nv 

deiur Willi Sylvester Fiost, West Peru; .lolin B., h. Sept. 17, 1864, 
111. Lillian Knox (di\ oi't-ed ) ; Charles, b. Dee. 2d, 1867, m. Minnie. 
Keiiissoii of iU'tliel. IJesideiiee, Dixfiekl ; Jennie L., b. Feb. 14, 
187"i. lu. I''i;uik Willou^iiby. son of Lamont, of DixHeld, Dec. 
If. 18!);;. Children :—Bertlia. b. June 17. 1895; Harold, b. Feb. 
G, 18'.);5. d.; Wairen, b. Feb. -^r), 1!)00, d. infant; Melvin P., b. Apr. 
13, iSif. in. .hiiie 17, lS!)i), ^\■innie, dau. of Saimiel Wlna;. Chil- 
dren:— (iraee A., b. Feb. IS!).-^, ; Millis. 1). .hil.v •!! , 1878, lu. Alma 
HvJies. Pesidenee. Lewiston. Child, Emma, I), around 18!)7. 

Sylvester Frost, iii. Pub. dan. W. 1867, Mary, b. Dee. a. 181-^. 
d. Feb. 1-^ ]!)(•(;, dau. of Ilari-ison Bnrgess. Children: — Elias B., 
b. Oet. v^i), l.sd!). m. duly 2Ck 188!), Drnzilla Whitney (widow) in 
Weld. Me.: Florence j\I., di. Au.u-. 16, 1!)00, ae. '^!> yrs. 3 mos., m. 
Dec. "^1. 1S!)(), ]\TelviD, son nt Samuel Tjovejoy. 'J'liey had son, 
William I^o\ejoy. Melviii m. 'iud, Ftlie Raines, dan. of Chas. 
Haines, son of EdM'ard A^'. Haines. Melvin Lovejoy was a sec- 
tion hand seveial years on the P. & 1\. F. Ky., thence worked in 
spool mill at Dixhehl. Mr. Frost owns the brick bouse built ten (U- 
twelve years after the incorixtration of our town, l)y Dani(^l Shef- 
field, at AVest Peru. 

Almon J. Farrar 

Almoii J. Farrar, b. Woodstock, m. Henrietta, dan. of Cyrus 
Bishop of Leeds. Wife d. Dec. 11, 1908. Children :— Howard H., 
b. ISC.S. 111. .\]!i-. .">. lS!i-J, TLittie E.. dau. of ^'iro-il Fuller of Uum- 
ford. Pesideiue on home farm fronting old Dick. It was here 
Adam K'nigl.t trapped eleven bears one fall; Jennie Farrar, ni. 

Elias II. Lo\fjoy, Jr. Pesidence, Dickvale; Elmer, m. 

Silver. Residence, Pd. Cent., W-rnon ; Tjlewellyn. m. Smitli 

in Dixfield. Their dau. b. Jan. 10, 1909; T^na, ni. 1st. Deforest 
DehiUM (divorced), m. 'lw\. Dec. 19, 1903, Willis W.. son of Co- 
lumbus Tainter in Dixfield; Stella X. m. Maurice W., son of Po- 
manz) P>uiges-^. AVife d. May 13, 1907. Husband m. '^nd. May 
3, 1!)08. Edith Altliea Davis of Xorth .\ns.in. Othei- children: — 
Ma.nl v. Celia, Xed. Mv. Fariar is an industrious, hard working 
man. lie was here as early as 188S. Af'.s. Farrar was liigldv es- 
teemed. They reared a likely family. 

George W. Gordon 

Geo. AV. (iordon, b. Liveimore, the sen of tJeuel P., b. AVaviie, 
and Hannah F'cst, in. Sv'jit. -^3, 1861, Ivtlicr J., dau. of (Jranville 
F. Cliild 'if Franklin. He was a membei- of Co. C. '?3d Me. 
A'ol-. lie d. dulv i;. 1!iOO. ;ie. 5!) yrs. ."i mos. He served his en- 



rii.sT()i;Y OK Tin: Towx of Viaiu 121 

lisiiiu'iit and reeeivcd an honoi-able discharge. His widow is pen- 
si(;ned. Child: — Giaftou 15., m. Apr. 7, 1891:, Flora A. \Vyinaii, 
dau. of John ('. Jr. Their ehildren are Leslie L.. b. Aug. 10, 189G; 
Jennie H.. I.. June IT, 1898: Marv. b. Feb. 3, 190-2; Geo. G., b. 
Aug. lo. 1904. (ilei'trude T. (Jordon (sister to Grafton) m. El- 
mer Flagg of East Dixlield. Kesidence, Canton Point. Jennie 
Gordon, b. around 1802, d. Jan. 10. 188.V. Etfi.> M.. m. Thomas A. 
Wvnian. 

Above lieuel P.. diid Xov. 28. 18.")8. His epita])h reads: 'T 
sball be satisfied wlim I awake witli thy likeness.*" 

Coding 

Thomas A. Coding, b. in Livermore, m. Sarah Jane. b. Hart- 
ford, dau. of Benj. Thomas and Dorcas Russell. They were suc- 
cessors on the Xathan Walker farm, on the 2nd tiei- of lots next to 
Canton line in 1840. Tliey continued here through life. He died 
July 29. 18T(), ae. 6:] yrs. 2i/, mos. Wife d. Dec. 18, 1894, 
ae. 81 yrs. 4 mos. 20 dys. jMr. Coding served as one of the 
leading officials of the town many years. He won the confidence 
and res])ect of all. Children: — Dorcas Thomas, b. July 6, 1812, d. 
Aiig. 18. 18(34, not mairied : Dana W., 1). Mar. 22. 1844. m., Eltene 
V.., b. l\umford. dau. of Wm. B. and Irena Virgin in Peru. He 
li\ed, and died suddenly of heart failure, cm home farm Jan. 15, 
190r;. His sister, Betsey Jane. b. Apr. 22, 1849. m. May 24. 1868. 
Samuel F. Irish. All the members of the Coding family are of 
liigli standing, industiious and prosperous, honest and reliable. 
Children of Dana W. were: — j\[abel F.. school teacher, living with 
motlier in Canton: Elva E., b. June 16, 1878. d. July 16, 1892; 
'JMieion A.. 1). Mar. 188.-i. d. Fel). 26. 1896. Dana AV. Godin"- serv- 
ed nil tlie Boai-d of Selectnu'U in 1885 and till close of 1890 and 
in 1891. He was Master of Pockameka Grange 1901. He was 
treasiirer of East Oxford Agricultural Society several years, u]) to 
his death. 

Gov»'ell— No Relation in Town 

Janie^ W. Cowell. 1). Sumner, Apr. 21. 18.32. d. Dec. 25. 1908. 
I*eru. He was ;! bi'otlier to Pobert Gowell of Co. D, 12th Me. 
Pegt. in Ci\il W-.w. who died and was buried on board ship at sea 
in 18()1. ]\rarkr'i' in Bisho]) cemetery near grave of his son. whose 
mother was Eliza M. Gowell. James W. was a house carpenter, a 
good workman and followed his trade many years. Pesidence, 
West Pei-u village. He served the town mauA' rears as Selectman 



132 History of the Toavx of Peru 

and Ai5se??or. an mIjIc and unefid citizen. PIo ni. 1st, a Massachu- 
setts lad}' and parted. She snbseqnently ni. (leorge K. Johnson of 
Peru. Eesidence, Gilbertville, and he m. also Dee. 16, 1860, Mary 
E. Niles. He m. 2nd, Eoxanna C, b. Franklin Plan., Oct. 22, 1842, 
dan. of Tliomas Tvord. Tlieir son, Ehner was born Dec. 2, 1857. 
He Avent to sea when about 18 years of age. That was the last 
known of him. The mother had jnst passed her loth birthday at 
date of birth of son. There is a moral here that the twentieth 
century will do well to heed. This mother soon found it a stren- 
uous life to follow briskly child raising at so early a period in life 
and the only way out was to jump the fold. She left bed and board 
in a few years. Mr. Gowell m. 3d, July 1. 1866, Orill E., b. Aug. 
18, 1814, dan. of Ezekiel and Mary E. Lovejoy. Child :— Susie 
Florence, b. June 14, 1868, m. Apr. 26, 1885, Eliphalet P. Haines, 
son of Samuel P., had dau.. Geneva D., b. Apr. 18, 1886. Divorced 
from Haines around. 1892, ni. 2nd, Winn Brackett of Auburn. Di- 
vorced, m. 3d, Charles S. Morse of X. H. Divoiced. Affinities are 
found at last, m. 4th, Ezra B. Staples, son of John Staj)les of 
Carthage. All of former husbands ha\e remarried except E. P. 
Haines, who makes a home for his mother at AV. Peru. Mr. 
Gowell's son, Chas. R. by Orill, b. Jan. 3, 1871, d. Jan. 1, 1889. 
James W. Gowell was the son of Joseph Gowell, b. Topsliam and 
Hannah ^^4litman, b. Middlebury, Mass. 

Josiah Gerrish 

The successor of James Fletcher on the Orville Knight j^lace 
was Josiah Gerrish and family from Falmouth. His first mar- 
riage to Eunice Leighton was perhaps around 1824. First child 
on record, Maitha Ann, was b. Nov. 21, 1824. Lorana, b. Dec. 15, 
1830; Caroline, b. 1833, d. Dec. 28, 1865; Ephraim M., b. 1835, m. 
Sept. 30, 1866, Annett E., dau. of Elmore Knight; Ephraim M., 
d. Aug. 10, 1879. Their dau.. Ada E., b. Apr. 17, 1871. The 
mother, Eunice Gerrish, d. Oct. 8, 1843. Married 2nd, Sept. 10, 
1852, Hannah Mabury. No issue. Mr. Gerrish d. July 6, 1867, 
ae. 73 yrs. This was an upright, industrious family, commend- 
able in all tbeir deportment. 

John Gilcrease 

Records show a soldier of 1812 wai-. John Gilcrease. his wife 
Mary and sons, David A., b. Aug. 22, 1818; Hiram, b. Mar. 15, 
1820. all in town in 1821. It is known that wife Marv died, date 



History of the Towx of Peru 123 

is wanting and soldier remarried ^^chsali Smith, a sister to Henry 
and Judith, the 2nd wife of Maj. Brackett. They lived on the 
Francis Waite farm till the death of Mr. Gilcrease^ Xo record of 
death. U. S. marker at his grave in cemetery near by. Widow 
continned there, and was pensioned. She d. Mar. 28, 1880. The 
sons were in Dixfield when last known. 

Grover Family 

The Grover family were early pioneers in township Xo. 1. 
They were here prior to incorporation of the District to Planta- 
tion No. 1, in 1812. We regret we have not their origin or an- 
cestry. Jediah and Elizabeth Grover were the heads of the fam- 
ily, who settled on the Elmer W. Knox farm on High street. It 
is believed by Mr. D. W. Piper, who knew the family well that this 
couple died tliere, though their only son Edsel m. May 1821, Mary 
Walker and after the birth of their son, Peter S., removed to Car- 
thage where wife d. Sept. 5, 1842. She was the dau. of Wm. 
Walker, Sr. Edsel Grover was honored with all the leading of- 
fices from 1812 to 1821 when lie dropped out. He had two 
sisters, Betsey and Ruth. No further knowledge of them. 

Gibbs 

Elbridge P. Gibbs, b. Livermore. Miw. 16, 1826, the son of 
Frank and Phebe Eddes, b. Chesterville, m. around 1852. Esther 
P., b. July -1, 1826, d. July 3, 189-5, dau. of John R. Welds, late 
of Dixfield. Mr. Cibl)s served a^ Pvt., Co. I, 23d Me. in Civil 
War; contracted disal)ility and was pensioned. He died Jan. 28, 
1900. This couple were of high intellectual endowments. They 
came upon the stage in season to join the crusade against intoxi- 
cating liquors and against slavery which they championed by 
voice and acts. Mrs. Gibbs delivered several essays in public 
from her own pen before they came to Peru. Mr. Gibbs was of 
pleasing address and penetration as a public speaker. His 
felicitous style usually won the applause of the audience. They 
were kind and generous to the poor, and held in high esteem by 
neighbors. They were residents of Peru 25 yrs. They first lo- 
cated on the Merrill Knight, Jr. farm, now the houu' of Jas. W. 
Miller, there about 4 yrs. In 1879 he bought the old Merrill 
Knight (senior) farm occupied by James Barrows. He contin- 
ued here till around 1897. The last two or three years of his life 
he lived in the family of Albion K. Trask at Worthly Pond. He 



1'34: HisTOjiY OK TiiK Town of Peiiu 

came of C'Ju'istian ])arents. Tlu'V and ^^everal ol' the sons were 
Baptists and members of the church at X. Livermore. Children: 
— Frank K., h. Feb. 19^ 1853, attended town scliools and I'ead 
law witli John P. Swasey at Canton, lie m. 1880, Ida Kniglit. 
dan. of Samnel Knigiit of Hartford and had tliree children, Giiv, 
h. Hartford, Sept. 28, IHH'i, graduated Hebron 1901, residence Ed. 
Falls; Maud .To.sephine, 1). Peru, Dec. 22. 1881, m. Aug. 30, 1907, 
Charles H. Bradford of Livermore. This couple were graduates of 
Hebron Academy 190?, wife liaving first graduated from Edward 
Little High School in 1897. Mr. Bradford is in Savings Bank, 
Livermore Falls; Frankie I., I). Canton, Dec. 7, 1886, graduated 
Hebron Academy 1903, m. Dec. 24:, 1907, Harry, son of John Doe, 
Livermore, a school teacher at Hingham, Mass., their residence. 

Frank E. Gibbs was just commencing to practice law at Can- 
ion, or at most, was young in his profession, when he was stricken 
■down with fever and died Sept. ?1, 1881, at his father's in Peru. 

This is a smart, talented and enterprising family. Peru is 
proud of their achievements and nobility. Mrs. Gibbs was b. in 
Waterford, 18<)1. She is a Christian mucli admired, address Hing- 
ham, Mass. 

Helen M. Gibbs d. Jidy 8, 1871, ae. 5 yrs. G mos. The last 
child of Elbridge P. Gibbs, who grew up, was Statira. She ni. 
Wayland, son of Enoch Weld of Dixfield. They first located in 
Illinois, thence to Clarion, Iowa. Children: — Carl, Lalia, Timo- 
thy. Occupation, farmer. Susie H. Gibbs, b. Dec. 10, 185-L-, 
m. Xov. 29, 1874, Joel Austin, son of Luther Austin of Peru. 
They settled at Allegheny City, Pa., where wife d. Dec. 18, 1881, 
ae. 27 yrs., also their youngest child d. there Jan. 3, 1882. Grave 
of wife is at East Peru. Their children : — Esther G., b. Feb. 25, 
1880, d. in H. I., July 8, 1901. Grave, E. Peru; Ernest Austin m. 
and live-^ in ^Minnesota. 

Gillespie Family 

\Ym. (Jillespie, b. Aug. 23. I<s3.'). AVhen 18 years old en- 
listed in the English ainiy and served 7 yrs. in the war against 
the Indian mutineers. He m. Klizalieth McKee, b. in Scotland. 
Children: — Andy; Mary Jane. ni. Mr. ^Merchant in Lensville, 
Mass.; Janette. m. Mr. Herrick in Gloucester, Mass.; Pobert : Wm. 
B. ; Margaret, ni. McPhee. Pesidence on the Gillespie homestead 
farm; Lizzie, m. Mr. Welch in IJumford. Mr. Gillespie and Family 
emigrated first to Mass. He and sons were employed on quarry at 
Eockport a i'ew years. He j)urchased the Alden Burgess home 



w 



o 




HiSTOKY OF THE ToWX OF PeRU 125 

farm in the fall of 1893 and took possession. He d. May 10, 1906. 
Wife yet living on farm. They are honest, reliahle, indi;strious 
people. 

See marriage of Kobert in J^lmore Knight familj^, also m. of 
Wni. in A. A. Babb's family. The latters residence is the Otis 
Gammon stand. 

Gammon Family 

Three brothers came from England in Colonial da3's. One 
of them settled at Bridgton or Harrison of whom Robinson Gam- 
mon was a descendant. One of them settled at Gorham, Me. 
One of his descendants was Xathaniel, who m. Polly Lowell. They 
had a family of eight children, four boys and four girls, seven 
lived to grow up. They lived in Buckfield where their son 
Stephen was horn, June 17, 1790. The other hrother remained 
at Falmouth. From him descended Samuel Gammon of Port- 
land. 

Stephen Gammon's sister m. Benj. Fobes of Peru, his lirst 
Avife. His sister Margaret m. AVarren Besse of Paris. Their 
son, Warren H. Besse, when grown up changed his name to 
Vinton. He became a lawyer and a prominent man at Gray 
Corner. He was at one time President of the Senate. He de- 
livered an anti-slavery lecture at the Methodist Meeting House 
in the days of the "Abolition Party" and hrought with him a 
young colored gentleman, who gave a short history of his life. 
He showed culture. Mr. Vinton befriended Ardelia Eicker in 
school teaching in Gray before her marriage. A sister of Rob- 
inson Gammon m. a Skillings. Their dau. Eliza Jane, m. 
Stephen Gammon, his 2nd wife, and dau. Charlotte, m. James 
Sullivan Deeoster, a resident of Peru several years. He lived on 
the (old man) Wm. Gillespie farm. 

In the war of 1812-14, Province of Maine was required t^ 
furnish a quota of men Avith orders to muster at Portland. 
Stephen Gammon was at work that year at Paris. Hearing of 
the call he hastened home, to find that Capt. Chase with his Co. 
had gone. Though not required, he decided he would go. He 
took his father's gun and horse and rode to Wilson's Tavern in 
Gray and met there a ]\Ir. Whittemore of Paris, who wanted to 
hire a substitute, and hired him at $1-1: per montli. ^\r. Gam- 
mon was enrolled in his place and went to Portland. There he 
found the call was for a limited number, and the quota filled, 
leaving him and many others to return to their homes. His 



126 History of the Town of Peru 

service, however, l-t days, was sufficient to give him a pension. 
Stephen Gammon, in company with Seth Eoberts, came to Peru 
in the winter of 1819. He Avorked for Goin Knight logging that 
winter and on his farm the next seasons, tlie year that Knight 
built his house. This was about 20 rods from the first school 
house, and here Mr. Gammon taught several terms of school. 
Mary, Samuel and Eliza, the three youngest children of Wm. 
Walker, Sr., attended the first term, also two pupils from James 
Lunt's and several from Francis Waite's. Timothy Ludden was 
one of the S. S. Com. his 2nd term of school in Dist. No. 7 after 
Gammon's marriage and two of his children attended. 

Stephen Gammon m. July 28, 1825, Sarah, dau. of Amos 
Knight of Peru. A separate race of Knight family in town. There 
were four races of the early Knight settlers who lived and d. here. 
Children: — Cyntha, b. Mar. 9, 1826, m. Douglass Stewart, who 
d. at Boston, Feb. 1906; Otis, b. May 8, 1828, m. July 26, 1856, 
Mary, dau. of Joshua and Polly Knox. She was b. Feb. 22, 1835, 

d. Apr. 23, 1872; Lucy, b. Jan. 24, 1830, m. Hale. Their 

son, Leon Hale, M. D., is at Chebeague Island, Portland, Me.; 
Adrian, b. Aug. 8, 1831, m. Jan. 1, 1859, Sybil P. dau. of Sum- 
ner E. iSTewell. They had son Leslie, who d. in Cal. Adrian d. 
Oct. 11, 1859 of fever. Son and mother went to California and 
she remarried there; James Monroe, b. Apr. 26, 1834; Stephen 
Warren, b. June 6, 1841; Sarah Ellen, b. Mar. 1, 1844, m. Wm. 
L. Knight; Luella Frances, b. Oct. 8, 1849, d. Apr. 11, 1866, ae. 
17 yrs. The mother was b. Feb. 6, 1807, d. Jan. 9, 1852. Stephen 
Gammon had by 2nd wife son, Geo. Thomas, b. Dec. 31, 1853, d. 
of accidental gun shot wound, Oct. 10, 1871, pulling gun by bar- 
rel over stone wall. 

The children of Cyntha Stewart are two daughters and a son, 
who is an engineer on railroad, Boston, Mass. Children of Otis 
and Mary Gammon are Elroy M., b. Mar. 23, 1857, m. June 13, 
1886; Cora T., b. Nov. 12, 1867, dau. of Hollis and Emily M. 
Turner; Eva Estelle, b. Apr. 16, 1864. Children of Elroy Gam- 
mon :— Mary Emily, b. May 28, 1890, d. Dec. 23, 1894 ; Louise Es- 
telle, b. Aug. 13, 1893; Hollis Stuart, b. June 19, 1895. James 
M. Gammon m. Dec. 21, 1861, Betsey M., dau. of Chas. York of 
Peru. She was b. Nov. 12, 1843, d. Feb. 20, 1887. Their chil- 
dren:— Oscar M., b. Oct. 1, 1862: Idk, b. Aug. 5, 1864, m. May 
27, 1883, Frank E. Goodnow, Waltham, Mass. Their dau. Ethel 
d. young. Chas. S. Gammon, b. May 2, 1869; Leona E.. b. Nov. 
7, 1877, m. Nov. 7, 1898, Waltham, Mass., Willard Warren. She 



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CORA Tl'KNER GAMMON— 1.S67-1907. 





IIOLLiy STUAKT GAMMON 



LOUISE E. GAMMON. 
Kow wife of Win. T. Wood— 1910. 



HiSTUKY OF THE TOWX OF PeEU 127 

d. Dec. 31, 1899. Their dau., Carrie Leona, was b. Dec. 'L 1899. 
Oscar M. m. Mar. 11, 1888, Augusta Saks, have sou Theodore. 
Has Xew York agenc}', Erecting Steel Lockers. Chas. S., ni. 
July 2, 1897, Carrie Xewell. ISTo issue. Stephen War- 
ren Gammon m. 1st, Xov. 18, 1865, Lois E., dau. of Benj. 
and Mercy (Tuttle) Eoberts of Peru. Children: — Warren Edge- 
come, b. Dec. 22, 1868 ; George L., b. Oct. 14, 1872. Their mother 
d. May 30, 1880, ae. 34 yrs., 7 mos. His 2nd wife was Lizzie 
Faunce, m. 1881, d. in 1883 at Harrison, Me. No issue by either. 
His 3d wife was Hattie Mills of Harrison, Me. He survived 
all tliree. The last one d. of quick consumption at Peru, Sept. 13, 
1890. 

Stephen W. Gammon was Fife Maj. of the 17th Eegt. Me. Inf. 
and Leader of the Eegtl. Band, always at post of duty, serving full 
period of enlistment. His brother, James M., was a member of 
the band. Stephen W. was a fine musician, both on cornet and 
violin. He was a smart, energetic, capable man, highly esteem- 
ed by all. Array service and exposure shortened his life. He was 
stricken in the prime of life, less than fifty years old. He had 
carried on a coat shop at Peru Centre, a portion of two years prior 
to his Avife's sickness, employing several hands. He did much 
of the sewing himself, running the machine by foot power. The 
rate lie dispatched business indicated his life and vigor would 
continue many years. He looked a picture of good health. No 
one realized that an insidious foe, a congestive liver was controlling 
the issues of life. This organ had been going bad too long to 
adjust itself. The evidence came at decease, when the body turn- 
ed in color to saffron. James M. Gammon m. 2nd, Se])t. 6. 1908. 
Edna A. Harris (divorced) b. Mar. 9. 1861 in Shelburne. N. H., 
dau. of Lj^man Greene and Lovina Philbrook. They own a cot- 
tage at ^Mechanic Falls. Nicely situated. 

Tlie family of Elbridge and Esther Gammon were residents 
of Peru in the forties and at the beginning of the war. They 
lived beyond the Asa Bonney place, going from Eipley's Mill by 
the Harlow farm on Soutli side of big ravine, on road to North 
Hartford. He was a brother to Orison and Greene Gammon in 
Canton. Children :—Eoscoe, b. Mar. 7, 1843; AVm. Thomas, b. 
Feb. 1851. Perhaps both were born in Peru. Eoscoe enlisted in 
Co. F. 9th Eegt., Me. Vol. Inf. in fall of 1861. He returned 
home and m. Dee. 18, 1865, Clarinda Eeynolds. • March meeting, 
1845, the name Elbridge Gammon appears on record. His place 



128 HrsTORY OF tiiI': Towx of Peru 

is a part of Warren Ward estate of Canton. The buildings are 
taken down. Botli sons and families went AVest. 

Eobinson (Jammon was a descendant of one of tlii'eo brothers 
who came from England in Colonial days. See life of Stephen 
Gammon. Eobinson Gammon, b. Buckileld 179-1:, m. IH'io. Sarah, 
b. Ea3'mond, Me., Feb. 13, 1791:, dan. of Eleazer Parsons. They 
lived after marriage fifteen years on Bi-adford farm in Canton 
where their six children were born, to wit: Daniel. Ann, Cyrus 
b. around 1831, Sarah Jane b. around 1833, Phebe Ellen b. Aug. 
21, 1838, d. 1855, single, Isaac d. young. Mr. Gammon and fam- 
ily removed to Peru on the Maj. Wm. Brackett farm, next follow- 
ing Brackett's evacuation in the fall of 1845. They continued 
there seven years, living in the old Brackett house that set near 
the sand knoll, East side of road. He built a new barn on same 
side of road opposite the house now standing which involved Jiim 
in debt. Mr. Gammon was one of the home militia called to 
Portland to fill Maine's quota in the war of 1812-14, whereby he 
got in at least the requisite 14 days service and was a pensioner 
the last few years of his life. He removed around 1852 to Kox- 
bury on Swift Eiver. It was here pending the freshet in Oct. 
1869 that the heads of the family, Mrs. Gammon at least, had 
thrilling experience. This was the greatest rise of water on this 
river ever known to the present generation. Many families were 
forced to abandon tlieir dwellings ere tlie close of that eventful 
day. Mr. and Mrs. Gammon had been tardy to abandon the 
house till the shades of night came on. Mr. Gammon led the way, 
expecting perhaps his wife would soon follow, but she thought 
she must strip the cow before leaving and set the milk on the to]) 
pantry shelf in the house, and when she left the house to follow 
her husband, the way was cut off l)y flood of M-ater in the highway 
which she must cross to reach higher ground. Evidently it was 
growing dark and she became somewhat confused, losing the 
way. While wandering and wading in the swift rising tide, she 
chanced to reach a cherry tree about twelve feet hig'h on the op- 
posite side of the road from the house and several rods away. 
Mrs. Gammon found refuge here. She was able to draw lierself 
up by the branches and secure a foothold with hands firmly grasp- 
ed around a branch to hold position. Tlie water rose higher and 
covered her person entire to her chin, at high tide. She could not 
raise herself any higher in the tree, and hung there, lier life in 
the balance at the mercy of the flood. She had given up all hope 
of escape from a grave of water before it began to recede. Just 



Hi.sj'UKv OF TJii-: Tuwx or Pi-:i:l' Vii) 

then it would seem a guardian angel said to the turbulent waters, 
■■'Thus far tliou slialt go and no further." The waters subsided. 
She was discovered some time during the night with hands ehisp- 
ing the tree and muscles very rigid. It required some eft'ort of 
her rescuers to release her clasp on the tree. The stable and cow 
were carried off and all the bridges on the river. Mrs. (iammon 
lived over 16 years after that event. She d. Mar. 1!), 1886, ae. 9.2 
yrs. 1 mo. 7 dys. at her daughter's, Mrs. x4.nn I'onant, wife of 
Joseph Conant, on the Porter farm in Roxbury. Me. ^Ir. Gam- 
mon d. in Oct. 1881. They were professors of religion. Mr. 
Gammon was accustomed to take part in social meetings. Daniel 
Gammon m. 1st Jan. 2d, 1819, Susan French. They occupied a 
tenement in Orville Robinson's old house a while. Wife left 
Daniel after a few years. No issue. He m. 2nd, Clara York, b. 
Biddeford. They lived in the late eighties and early nineties on 
the Hill farm, now owned by Chas. Howard and wife, ft was 
where Adam Knight first settled. Daniel Gammon d. in Ganton, 
May 190-I-. Wife d. there with dau., Mrs. Dexter SmaU. Apr. 
1908. Xo issue by Gammon. Ann married three times in iiox- 
bury. 1st, Eev. Weeks, and had by him one child. They parted. 
Ann (Gammon) Weeks next m. Wm. Porter, the father of Fred 
Porter of Bnmford, sheriff of Oxford C*oiinty a term of years. Two 
of Ann's children b}^ Porter reside in Dixfield. George Porter on 
a part of the Leonard iSTorcross farm, and Clinton Porter on the 
Holman farm, formerly owned b}^ George Porter, up near the 
Center. Mr. Porter d. in 1874. His widow m. 3d, Joseph Co- 
nant, Co. D, 12th Maine. She d. next in 1890. Xo issue. He d. 
May 23, 1901 in Peru. S. Jane Gammon m. Feb. 21, 1853, 
Reuben T. Allen, b. Farnsworth, jST. H. Residence, Milton Plan., 
Me. Carriage manufacturer. Their dau., Emma J., 1). ISr)."), d. 
Aug. 28. 1904. m. Benj. L. Rowe, b. 1856, d. Aug. 21. 1899. 
Their children: — Henry 0., m. in Waltham, Laura E. Carter; 
Walter Rowe, single. 

Cyrus Gammon, d. Feb. 16, 1899, ae. 68, m. Nov. 17. 1854, 
Mary, dau. of John Conant. Widow with two sons living on home 
farm in Canton. Cyrus Gammon enlisted Aug. 18, 1862 in Co. 
K, 17th Regt. Me. Inf. Vols. He enlisted from town of Mexico. 
He failed to observe President Lincoln's proclamation to return to 
his Command and thereby he and his widow were barred from 
pension. Mary Gammon d. June 30, 1910. She was the mother 
of twelve boys, eight living. Birney and Joseph on home farm ; 
John, residence in town; Chas. and George in South Braintree; 



130 History of the Town of Peru 

Will in Lewistou; Roswell at No. Livermore and Fred of Auburn. 
Mrs. Gammon was a worthy member of Canton Grange. 

Griffith 

liufus N. Griffith and wife Hannah, and children came from 
Livermore around 1882. He bought Peru Tow^n Farm, formerly 
owned by Sumner Eobinson at East Peru. Mr. Griffith was a 
good farmer and a good citizen. He d. here or in village, Feb. 13, 
1889, ae. 68 yrs. 5 mos. His wadow and only dau. lived a few 
years at their stand in village; sold to Sullivan Ireland, removed 
to Auburn, thence to Portland where dau., M. Louise, began trade 
of milliner. Her mother deceased aliout 1909. Daughter there 
June 1910, unmarried. Children Chas. M. Griffith b. around 1851, 
m. Idella Glines of Canton. They have dau. Liverna. Residence 
recently on farm in Poland. Albert B. Griffith, b. Oct. 18, 1857, 
m. Aug. 35, 1884, Ida P., dau. of Chas. F. Deshon. This man is 
sharp and shrewd with an aptitude for traffic. He has been con- 
nected of late with a stable in Auburn, Avhere he has some real 
estate. He wants to return to farm. Their children: — Emily, b. 
1886; Rufus, b. Aug. 1891; Pearl, b. May 1897. Rufus m. 1909, 
Lydia M. Hague of Pittsfield, Me. 

Jonas Greene 

Jonas Greene of Peru was born Mar. 31, 1815 in Byron. His 
parents were Jonas Greene and Eunice Baker Bacon, among the 
first settlers in Byron. Their other children were Abial, Wm. K., 
Roscoe G., Martha, Amanda, Lucinda and others, twelve in all. 
Jonas grew to manhood without many school advantages. His 
parents were poor and in their declining years, it fell to his lot to 
care for and assist both parents and the younger members of his 
father's family, to gain a livelihood. With no material help and 
no encouragement until his marriage, he steadily made his way 
up to an honest, useful and successful life. His wife was Louisa 
Morton Willard, dau. of Henry Willard, born in Ashburnham, 
Mass., May 23, 1819. married Aug. 11, 1841. For eight years 
they lived in Byron. He engaged in farming and kept a country 
store. He served in various offices in town and in 1848-9 repre- 
sented the town in State Legislature. In 1849 he moved to Eox- 
bury, and same year moved to Peru. Here he did a thriving busi- 
ness in trade and was Postmaster fifteen years. In 1,866 and 67 
served his district two terms in State Senate. He held important 




LOUISA M. GKEENK— 1819-1900. 




1 sir, _.TOX AS G REEN E— 1873. 



HlSTOKY OF THE ToWN OF PeRU 131 

town offices and became a leading citizen in town, accpiring a good 
competence. His wife came of tlie "Willards, wlio were of noble 
blood. It is found by tracing the genealogy that she belonged to 
a branch of the famous Frances Willard family. They have a 
common ancestor in Maj. Simon Willard, who was quite promi- 
nent in shaping affairs in Colonial New England. 

The descedants were quite proud of this famous ancestor and 
his name was handed down for many generations in the family. 
Frances Willard speaks of this ancestor in hoy autobiography, and 
when in Europe placed a memorial window in the church in his 
native town of Horsmondon, Kent, England. This was Mrs. 
Greene's ancestor also. The Willard family have a fine record. 
Thirty vvere college graduates in the first four generations, when 
college bred men were rare. They were mostly Harvard grad- 
uates and the majority were physicians. One was president of 
Harvard and one a professor in that college. This woman and 
her children have a good inheritance, well exhibited. It became 
proverbial, that the Greene family children were brilliant scholars. 
This family moved to ]\Ianassas, Ya., in the fall of 1869. He was 
appointed Marshal in 1870 and took the census in his district in 
Virginia. Thougii hardy and a picture of good healtli to look 
upon, he was a victim of dyspepsia for a term of years. He died 
in Virginia, Oct. 1. 1873, ae. 58 yrs. 6 mos. His wife survived 
till Mar. 5, 1900, and closed her earthly life at Washington, D. C. 
Both were interred at Alexandria, Va. Mr. and Mrs. Greene were 
champions of all the moral reforms of the day, temperance, wholly 
abstaining from spiritous liquors, of rigid anti-slavery sentiments 
and always regular attendants at church in Peru, and brought up 
their children to attend churcli and Sabbath School regularly. 
Martha, the oldest of the children, acquired a collegiate educa- 
tion, showing marked scholarship in her studies. Had she lived, 
she would have been doubtless an eminent teacher in some of our 
seminaries. She, like her younger sisters, showed a])titudo for 
this profession. 

Children of Jonas, b. Mar. 31, 1815 and Louisa M. Greene: — 
Martha L., b. in Byron, Apr. 15, 1844, d. May 1866; Estella D., 
b. .July 18, 1848 in Byron, ,m. in Virginia, Sept. 13. 1875 
Rinaldo T. Cross was run over and killed by shifting engine near 
station in ISTew York. city, ae. 45 yrs. Children: — ISTina Estelle, b. 
Oct. 19, 1876; AVilma G., b. Dec. 16, 1883, is married, has a dau. 
b. 1906: Nina Estelle, m. around 1894, T. Parkin Scott. Resi- 
dence, St. Denis, Md. Their son, T. Parkin Scott, Jr., b. 1897. 



13'i HisToitY OF 'I'Tri'; Towx or Vkuu 

A\'iliii;i (iiH'ciK' Cross, 111. Sc'])t. 1IJ04, Howard lilvodes. Kesidence, 
Manhattan. Kan. Tlieir dau.. Margnerite Lnc-ile, b. IvTov. 1905. 
Widow l^^stelle D. Cross remarried H. S. Day, a soldier in Civil 
\\'ar. No issne. Residence, Topeka, Kan. Real estate agency. 
Cliestina S., b. IJoxl.ury, May 13, 1819, m. in 1876, 
(iustavus Thorp, lie d. May 1901. Their son, Walton Willard, b. 
Jan. 1882, is 6 ft. 2 in. tall. Weight 200 lbs., ae. 24. Law and 
real estate, Britton, 8. I).; AVihna E., b. Pern, Apr. 3, 1851, m. 1st, 
Walter F. Robinson. Slie in. 2nd, no issue, Isaac P. Baldwin of 
\'irginia of high standing. Residence, Battle Creek, Mich.; 
Charlena W., h. Peru May 3, 1852, m. Aug. 3. 1872, Theodore 
Ketchani. Residence, Capito] Heights,. Md. Children: — Maude 
Louise, b. Sept. 24, 1874; Walter Theodore, b. May 6, 1878; J. 
Willard, 1). Sept. 2, 1881, d. July 7, 1900. Jonas Willard, b. Aug. 
17, 1856 in Peru, d. May 1881 in Baltimore, Md. 

George Henry, b. Sept. 25, 1858, d. in Peru Dec. 25, 1865. 

Wilma E. Greene acquired a good common school education 
and was well fitted for school teaching. She taught a few terms, 
one at Canton village after her parents and the other children 
moved to Manassas, Xa. in 1869. While on a visit there in the 
early seventies she obtained a clerkship in the Agricultural Office 
at Washington, D. C. and continued there a period of fourteen 
years. She was an expert in wielding the pen; her style, polish- 
ed, bold, uniform, symmetrical and liandsome ; a quality charac- 
teristic of the lady as the flower bloomed. It is proverbial, "She 
Avas the flower of the faTuily."' Her niari'iage to Mr. Baldwin 
(widowed) was some time after she left the clerkship. This has 
proved a happy union. He is a man of unblemished character, 
intellectual, capable and of a long life race. Had just passed 87th 
birthday Nov. 4, 1908, smart and active. The children of Charlena 
Ketcham and their marriage: — Maud Louise, m. Edwin D. New- 
man, had a son, d. young; AValter Theodore, m. Sept. 1905. Mae 
A. Corridan, have dau., Lucile Agnes; James Willard Ketcham did 
not marry. Walter Willard Thorp, son of Cliestina S. Thorp, is 
married. 

Mary Greene, older sister of Jona^, m. Dr. James i.eai-y. Lu- 
cinda Greene, the next younger than Jonas, in. al)()Ut 1832. Ivory 
Webber. This family, with six children, came from Bvron in 
the early fifties and lived in the linuse and lot adjoining the 
Meeting House lot on the North. He worked blacksniiThing in the 
Joseph Ricker shop till after his wife died Apr. 21, 1859. Chil- 




MARTHA L. GREENE— 1841 

1S6B, 



MRS. E^TELLE GREENE DAV. 




MRS. WILMA E. BALDWIN, nee GREENE. 



IIlSTOKV OK TIIK ToWX OF PeKU loo 

dren: — Hannah K., h. Apr. T, 1833, ni. Jan. 1, 18-34:, Adoniram 
Eussell, residence, Sunnier; Edwin, b. June 28, 183(), m. Pul). 
Sept. 28, 1851), Eliza A. Bent, sister of Win. H. Bent. They had 
four children: — George, with father in ]S'. H. ; FlaviUa, ni. li)()T ; 
Eansford, d. 18S)(), one son and dan. with motlier in Lewiston. Af- 
ter the niarria^-e of Edwin Wehher and Eliza A. Bent they moved 
to Aroostook County wliere their children were born. They lived 
there happily and uniiod till "fiee love" craze, tlien raging on the 
Jvcnneb'ec Jiiver, icached that lounty ; he became an easy victim 
to this fearful malady. He failed to recover in season to preserve 
the bonds of his family coiniection. He left the State, and wife 
and cliildren were forced to provide their sustenance. Thev re- 
moved to Lewiston Avhere Mrs. Webber ran a boarding house a few 
years and got a bill of divorce, remarried a Mr. Dickens. He 
died and she is as stated. 

Lo\ina J. Webber, b. Sept. IT, 1838, ni. Jackson I'ussell of 
Sumner: Arabine E., b. Jan. 1, 18-M; Mary 0., b. May 8, 18J:6; 
Amorilla A., b. July (i, 18 li); Xellie Lueinda, b. Peru, Aug. 17, 
185T. Mr. Ivory Webber and several children removed to Byron 
or lioxjjury. Sarah (ircene. a sister of Jonas, m. Luther Merrill. 
John, unm.arried. Perry d. when a boy. Ancil B., m. Harriet 

. Their children are living in X. H. The children of 

Sarah Cireene Merrill were, Ida M., m. Chas. Collins, worth $1,500,- 
000. made in the oil business in Pa., where they live; ^laiy mai'- 
ried and lives in Aroostook County; Lot M. ; Augustus, the old- 
est, died; AVm. K. tTreene, b. in Byron, Oct. 1'^, 18"?0, m. Nov. 
184^, .Mary B.. b. A})r. 1824, dau. of Xemiali Hunt and Sopha 
Harding of 'Wilton. They moved to Peru in 1851. having bought 
the ohi Maj. \\'illiam Brackett farm. V\'m. K. ({reene was up- 
right. enteri)rising and ])ros])erous. He d. Oct. 3, 1889. Both 
of his wives were highly esteemed by all. Mary A. (ireene. d. in 
Paris, Jnly 8, 1906. Children by 1st wife :— Leander. i). June Ki. 
184!). m. May 10. 1882, Eliza E. Perkins in Maiden, Mass. where 
lie (I. A]jr. 1(), 1908. Tlieir children are p]mma S. Greene, b. 
July 22, 1883; Chas. W.. b. Dec. 25, 1885; Mabel E., b. July 7, d. 
Aug. (), 188:; Frank \\ (irccne. b. Dec. 22. 1851. m. Aug. 27, 187!); 
Pamelia \V., b. Jan. 29, 1851. dau. of Levi J. Adkins and Sarah 
Woodsuiu oT W'vu. Their son. Clil'ton F.. b. Feb. 1!). 18S1. 
Flora A., dau. of Wm. K.. b. 1854. d. 18(il; Poscoe 1^., b. 185!). d. 
1861. Wife Mary B.. d. Mar. 27. 1862 in Peru. Mr. Greene m. 
2nd. Aug. 18()2, Mary A. Houghton of Weld, b. Sept. 2(). 1828. 



134 History of the Town of Pehu 

The}' removed to Paris Dec. 1875, he behig elected Register of 
Deeds. Settled there the remainder of life. 

Abial B. Greene, brother of Jonas, m. Myrtilla Houghton, a 
sister to Wm. K. Greene's second wife. Children (living) 1906 : — 
Mary A., m. May 1868, AYillard Patterson in Dover, N. H. ; Carrie, 
ni. May 1873, a Mr. Wallace Berry, Abington, Mass. ; j\Iyra M., m. 
1877, Melvin Alley in Revere; Angle E., m. May 1880, Prank T. 
Janvrin. Mrs. Janvrin's residence is Black street. Revere, Mass,; 
Emily H., m. June 1890, Hardin Vaughan, Revere. Mary A, is 
a widow, Avorks in shoe shop in Lynn, Mass. Wallace Berry, d. 
Oct. 1908. Supt. of Pish Hatchery of Maine. Melvin Alley and 
wife residence, Winthrop, Me. Employed in Bailey oilcloth fac- 
tory. Frank Janvrin a farmer in Revere. Hardin Vaughan a 
farmer in Derry, N. H. They have a son and a daughter. 

Births of Abial's children: — Mary A., b. Byron 1850; Carrie, 
b. Weld Sept. 1857; Mira M., b. Weld June 1860; Angle E., b. 
Sumner Sept. 1861; Emily H., b. Weld 1871, Last residence. 
Revere, Mass., where Mr. Greene d. Aug. 1901. His widow is 
with Dr. Minnie Houghton, Paris, Me. Roscoe G. Greene, the 
youngest brother of Jonas, iii. Carrie Corrcy. They were residing 
in Petersburg, Ya. at the outbreak of the (!ivil War. He was in 
trade in a junk store. He came North for protection with his 
family and had a home with his brotlier, Wm. K., in Peru. They 
were there in 1861, when diphtheria raged fearfully and two of 
his little girls, Mary A., ae. 6 yrs. and Charlotte I., ae. 5 yrs., d. 
of the disease Sept. 18 and 83 respectively, 1861. He returned 
to Petersburg after the war and was made Postmaster there in re- 
construction period. One dau., Grace Lincoln, m. Wm. Holmes, 
lived and d. in New Jersey Aug. 1908. 

Florilla Greene, a sister to Jonas, m. Edwin Robbins, Lewis- 
ton. Published Nov. 14, 1855; Chestina Greene d. in infancy. 
Martha Willard, a sister to the wife of Jonas Greene, m. Theodore 
Bradeen. They lived in Peru near Alden's Ferry. Recently the 
Leonard Brown farm. Their daugliter, ^lartlia, m. Dr. Proctor 
and lives in Weld village. Of the Willard family and the Louisa 
and Martha AVillard branch, there is but one person bearing the 
family name, now living. Their l)rotlicr. Dr. Francis Willard, 
of Boston, a graduate of Harvard left a son, Henry Francis Wil- 
lard, also a graduate of Harvard and a doctor in Boston. Martha 
Willarrl Bradeen d. in Peru Nov. 8, 1858, ae. 14 yrs. Her son, 
Geo. E. W.. d. in Peru Oct. 7, 1859, ae. ?0 yrs. 



HiSTOKY OF THE ToWN OF PeKU 135 

Hodgdon Family 

Joliu Hodgdou, b. Hebron and wife Elizabeth, b. Portland, 
dau. of Josiah Smith, were located in the basin on the Xew 
County Eoad leading over the mountain to Worthly Pond before 

1821. Farmers. They were industrious, upright and good neigh- 
bors. Children b. there who grew up. Josiah S., b. ]\Iay 17, 

1822, m. Apr. i, 1847, Joan W., b. Sept. o, 1828, dau. of Scam- 
mon Starbird of Peru; Amos K. Hodgdon, b. Aug. G, 1825. 
Irena, b. Feb. 18, 1810, m. Pub. Aug. 13, 1865, Asa Robinson, son 
of Irving. Wife d. John Larnard Hodgdon, b. Feb. 20, 18io, 
m. May 26, 1872, Annie Robinson, dau. of Irving. This couple 
were church members. Residence, East Sumner, where husband d. 
Aug. 31, 1!.)04. Xo issue. The parent, John Hodgdon, d. May 
27, 1866 in Peru (grave unknown.) Josiah S., Co. C, 20th Me. 
Regt. Pvt., received gun shot wound in right arm, discharged and 
pensioned for loss of arm. Children of Josiah S. : — Amos W., b. 
in Peru June 7, 1848, d. Jan. 24, 1863; Adeline, b. June 2, 1851; 
Lizzie Ellen, b. Oct. 24, 1856, d. Jan. 17, 1863; Caroline M., b. 
June 2, 1858, d. Oct. 16, 18: 0; Josiah S., Jr., b. Mar. 5, 1862, m. 
was a printer at Presque Isle; Adeline, m. March 31, 1872, In- 
dependence Morrison. Tlieir dau., Leanna M., m. Perley ('. Knox. 
Residence, "West Peru. Farmers. Josiah S., d. in Peru Aug. 18, 
1903. His wife d. May 28, 1882 at their home in village of East 
Sumner where Mr. Hodgdon was in trade several years. This 
was a likely family. 

Holt Family 

Erastus Holt, b. in "Weld, son of Abel and Ruth Holt, m. Pub. 
Dec. 30. 1838, Lucinda, b. Jan. 4, 1812, dau. of Ephraim and 
Lydia C. Packard of Peru. In 1846 Mr. Holt purchased two lots 
of wild land on the West side of AA'orthly Pond on the Hill range 
above the Harlow farm where E. G. Bassett lives. He made a 
clearing and erected a set of farm biiildings. They had a family 
of six children; all lived to grow up. Mr. Holt was champion 
axe chopper. It was easy task foi- him to drive his ox team into 
the woods, cut, load and haul one cord of green wood five miles to 
Canton village and return home at niglit. He got for the wood 
and labor one dollar. They were hardy pioneers. The family 
lived on the farm till 1854, when ^Ir. Holt and wife with the 
youngest children went to Stoughton, Mass. to take chai-ge of a 
town farm. They returned to their farm in spring of 1857, con- 



lo(i His'pojiv OK TiiK Town ok T*i;i;u 

tJnuiiig- tlRTt' till the deatli of Mrs. Holt in 18()"3. Following the 
event the home was broken up and the members scattered. Mr. 
Holt d. in iSlMi at Canton, with son Otis. Children: — Artemas 
Cooper Holt, h. May 13, 1839. He was a soldier in the "^Tth Me. 
Can't leain about his inari'iage. He was a station agent two years 
in Mass. ^\'as run over by ear and d. Mar. 1905; Ellen Augusta, 
b. Jan. ;!(». isn, m. 1st a Mr. Bisliop. He d. 1875; m. '.^nd, 
Anbury Sanborn. I'hey live in Fi'anklin, Mass. ;Otis Chandler, b. 
Jan. 17, 18-13. After the family returned to the farm in 1857 he 
worked there and attended the winter terms of district school. 
fini:diing in 18(il)-(n. On the -Mtli of dune 1861 he was mustered 
into r. 8. ser\ ice, Co. K. oth 'Mq. and went with command into 
cani]» on Meiidian Hill. D. ('.. where tiiey were drilled two weeks 
by a West Point officer; thenc(> to Alexandria. The regiment was 
attached to Oen. Howai'd's lu'igade and participated in the battle 
of Bull I'uii. duly 'i'^ 18()1. Comrade Holt says in liis memoirs: 
'"It was a vei'\' warm day and we suffered extremely with heat and 
thirst. On the retreat from the battlefield with James ^f. Stone 
of Otislield I managed to get back to the old camp ground at Cen- 
tei'ville. As Stone and myself were crossing the stone In-idge, the 
rebels fired the first shell at the retreating army. AVe marched 
hack to Alexandei' tlie next (hiy in a rain storm.'" His term of ser- 
vice expired in June. 18()'2 when he returned to Canton. In Sei^t. 
he re-enlisted for nine months in Co. C, 23d Maine, and was de- 
tailed as officer's cook most of that service. Returning to Canton 
he engaged in cabinet work with Chas. Ban'ovrs th.ere, till into 
fall when he enlisted the third tinu' in Co. (1. 30th Me., receiving 
appointment (d' Scrii't. In Feb., ISC)! went with c(jnn:and to Al- 
giers o]}p-)site to Xew Orleans and joined (Jen. Banks in his fa- 
mous I'ed ]'i\c'i' campaign. Holt was in several skirmishes and 
battles. .\t ^^[(metis Bluff, La., Apr. -.^3, 18(!d, he received gun 
shot wound in left thio-h. At that time they wei-e about five 
mile< in the woods, (urn. Francis Fessenden. commanding the 
Brigade, was wounded and carried from the battle ground leaving 
his left foot behind. FTolt. with a comiade. wadked back over the 
nfi'ound after his wound. n_nder fire all the way, his comrade be- 
ing hit twice, there l)einii' no andjulance at hand. Holt got per- 
mission to ride on l)ack of Den. Fessenden's horse that would have 
l)een led out of the wo(!d-; back to tlie ])lantation they started from 
that morning. Touching the engagement Holt says, 'T knew in 
the mnrnimr T should be wounded before night. As we started 



HiSTOKY OF THE TOWX OF PeUL' 1o'( 

out to cross the river the hugier eanie along and said to me, "Sergt. 
if you get wounded today, i will take your gun.' 1 said to him, 
'You will have a chance 'oetore night.' It seemed to be impressed 
on me all day that I should get hit. After I was wounded if 
seemed a great relief to he rid of the mental strain." C. 0. Holt, 
Optometrist and Optician, 30 Lisbon St., Lewiston, Me. 

Otis C. Holt, m. Dec. 7, 186.5, Hattie A., dan. of Simeon Bick- 
neli of Canton. Children: — Virtue K., d. 1896; Grace M., b. 
July 1-^, 1881; Winnifred L., b. 1886, m. 1905, Frank Packard. 
Henrietta ij. Holt, b. June 21, 1844, m. 1st, Chas. Glover. Chil- 
dren: — Leon 0., a graduate of Coll)y College, is a Professor of 
Languages at Fall River, Mass.; ^label. m. Ai'thur Glinds of Can- 
ton. Emerett L. Packard, h. Jan. 31, 1816, ni. M. T. Hatch, a 
letter carrier in Boston, d. 1875. Children: — Lillis, m. a Mr. 
Horton. Li\c in Hyde I'ark: Erastus Eugene Holt, b. June 1, 
18-19. He attended town school ^\''hen a boy at home, followed b}' 
clerking fixe years in stores at Canton village ; thence he con- 
tinued his studies at Hebron Academy, at Westbrook and Gor- 
haui Seminaries, teaching in the meantime some portion of each 
year. He was principal in the City Reform School of Boston a 
year oi- more. He entered the Medical School at Bowdoin Col- 
lege in 187'3, continuing his studies in Boston and at Dartmouth 
Medical School. He graduated from tlie uiedical school of 
Maine in 187!. He then entered tiie College of Physi- 
cians and Surgeons al Columhia College in Xew York', 
fiom wbicli he received his ad eunden degree in 1875. After 
leaving Columbia he was appointed Demonstratoi- of Anatomy at 
the uiedical School in Maine at Brunswick, continuing two years. 
He was appointed house doctor in the Maine General Hospital. In 
Apr. 1886 he was appointed executive surgeon of the Maine Eye 
and Ear Infirmary, Portland, ]\Ie. In 1897 Colby I'niversity con- 
ferred the honorary degree of A. M. upon Dr. Holt. He m. Mary 
Brooks Dyer. They have six children: Lucinda Mary Belle, Clar- 
ence Blake. Roscoe Thorne. Erastns Eugene. Jr.. Dorothy ami P>eii- 
jnmiu Dyer. 

Haskell Family 

In eai'ly foi'ties Jonathan and Mary Haskell lived on a small 
farm below tlie Aliiert S. Holman farm at East Peru. ^fr. Has- 
kell was b. around 179-1 and d. there Feb. ?8, 1865. His wife, 1). 
179-?, d. Apr. 16. 1868. They located on Gowell Hill prior to 
coming here. ]\tr. Haskell worked at trad(> of cooper in con- 



138 History of the Town of Peru 

nection with farming. Their children: — Mary, b. about 18"^G, d. 
Oct. 9, 1851; Kebecca G., m. Dec. 7, 1813, Joseph I. Smith; Eliza- 
beth B.;, m. Pub. Feb. 8, 1818, Jesse L. Xelson, Canton; Jonathan 
G. Haslvell m. Mary C, dau. of Sumner Robinson, Sr. ; (ieorge 
Western Haskell m. ^lar. 3, 1855, Mary Jane, dau. of Cyrus Wor- 
mell. Their children: — Lizzie K., b. Aug. 27, 1855; Addie L., b. 
Oct. 9, 1857. Geo. W. Haskell was wagoner in Co. F, 9th Regt. 
Me. Vols., Avar of 18G1. A prisoner at Raleigh, N. C, Dec 1, 
1865. Paroled. Discharged for disability Jan. 23 as reported 
Nov. 1, 1863. He died prior to Mar. 1899. His widow got evi- 
dence in her pension claim prior to that date. 

Job House 

Job House and family were residents of East Peru in early 
forties. Tlie}' came from Turner where most of their children 
were born. His occupation was millman and one product wooden 
bowls. His successor to the water power here was Edgar ]\I. 
Howard, after the Civil War, when most of family returned to 
Turner. 

Job House, b. 1803, d. Mar. 20, 1890, m. Jan. 3, 1828, Alvena 
Philips, both of Turner. Children:— Tilden J., b. May 2, 1829; 
Alonzo P., b. Xov. 6, 1830; Benj. D., b. June 12, 1832; Rlioda B., 
b. Apr. 2, 1835; Richard P., b. Jan. 25, 1837; Elizabeth R., b. 
Feb. 12, 1839; Horatio T., b. Dec. 22, 1811; Ciias. A., b. Mar. 8, 
1819, d. Sept. 11, 1852. Marriages: — Tilden J. and wife Anumda. 
Their children: — Alma Ann R., b. Dee. 19, 1851; Alvena M., b. 
Feb. 27, 1855; Lovina C., b. Dec. 8, 1858. Lewiston Journal, 
Aug. 7, annoiinced the death of Tilden J. House at Xorth Tur- 
ner, July 31, 1907, that he left a widow, one son Richard, a dau., 
the wife of Geo. F. Toll at Canton, and one in Portland, his 
brother Benj. in Leeds and sister Elizal)eth at No. Turner. Benj. 
D. House m. Sarah E. Kyle in Peru. 

Josiah Hall 

Awarded Peru's gold headed cane by Boston Post 1909 as the 
oldest voter in town. 

Josiah Hall, b. Wrentluim, Mass., May 1, 1821, son of George 
Hall and Hannah Smith, came to Peru in 1855. First located on 
the Albion K. Knight place, it l)cing liis father's old farm. Mr. 
Hall ]i\ed here nine vears till fall of 1861. He then moved to the 



History of the Towx of Peru 139 

Wni. Tucker farm on the Eiver road aud took down the Eliphalet 
Tucker buildings three years after. He has continued here till 
present date. He m. Sept. 13, 1852, Lorana, dan. of Josiah Cjer- 
rish, b. Dec. 15, 1830, d. Oct. i, 1891. Children :— Ella A., b. 
Wrentham, May 11, 1854, d. Xov. 5, 1860; George W., b. Feb. 24, 
1857: Chas. A., b. Jan. 26, 1860; Josiah G., b. July 23, 1867; Ad- 
die Ella A.; Albert H. Mr. Hall is a prosperous farmer. For 
half a century he has made farming pay and demonstrated that 
industr}^ and econoni}^ with temperate habits are sure to win. He 
has been prominent in town affairs, served several terms on the 
official board. Writer recalls his musical genius. He was an able 
player of old time music on the violin. His musical qualities 
were transmitted to his children, and we have a family brass band 
worth}^ of note. Of this family we have Hall Bros. Rake Manu- 
factory, West Peru. They are doing a thriving business. Chil- 
dren of Geo. W. and Marcia L. Hall, dan. of Leonard H. Brown: 
Myrtle Z., Leonard D. All the members of the Hall family are 
first class citizens, industrious, of good habits, honest and reliable. 
Chas A., a member of the firm, is unmarried; Josiah G. Hall, m. 
Alice M. Atkins, one son, Henry Hall; Albert Henry, m. Ger- 
trude Elizabeth McEgan of N. B. Children: — Lorana Gerrish, 
Lester Albert. Josiah G. Hall was employed at the Foster Tooth- 
pick Mill, Dixfield, mill in Mexico. The clatter and din of ma- 
chinery was so great a strain on his nerves that he broke down 
completely and died suddenly June 26, 1909. His widow lives at 
her cottage home on Eivcr street lo Rumford. at West Peru. Takes 
boarders. 

Capt. Daniel Hail 

Capt. Daniel Hall acquired his military title in tlie old militia 
days. In 1836 and 1837 he was commanding officer of the com- 
pany of militia in Peru. He was of the Eumford race of Halls. 
In 183-i he was second on the Board of Selectmen. Daniel Hall 
was a farmer, located in 1861 nn the Woodbury farm on Ridge 
Road. He was born Aug. 12, 1805, d. Apr. 5, 1886. m. around 
1830, Sarah R., b. Nov. 26. 1807, d. Dec. 18, 1859, dau. of Heze- 
kiah Lovejoy. Children: — Emelino Adelia, b. Feb. 14, 1833, m. 
Pub. Apr. 28, 1858, Joshua M. Proctor of AVestl)r()ok. Tliey 
emigrated to California where wife was engaged a term of years 
school teaching. She used to ride some little distance to and 
from school on back of hoi-se. It is reported that she closed her 



IW HiSTOItY OF TllK TOWX OF Pl'AiV 

career, hory Fai'imiii was the lli'st child, b. June 27, 1831; At- 
well iJ., b. Ajjr. G, ISor^, Daniel Everett, b. Xov. •^4, 183G. The 
oldest and one or more of the others named were located in Ban- 
gor in 1861 and came home to the funeral of Judith Ann, their sis- 
ter, in Sept. 1861. She was I). Oct. 23, 1840. Henry Dexter, b. 
Mar. 28, 1835. Twins Jeremiah' Herbert and Hezekiah Albert, b. 
Apr. 1847. This was a smart, capable family of children. Their 
mother d. Dec. 18, 1859. The hoys, except the twins, had left 
home in fall of 1860. 

Mr. Hall remarried, Pul). June 4, 1860, Adeline Lovcjoy 
(widow) of Dixfield. They separated in about a year and a half. 
His next housekeeper was widow, Abigail Benson, m. Apr. 9, 
1863. They lived happily together nineteen years till her death, 
Apr. 16, 1882. He m. 3d widow, Mercy Frost, May 3, 1885. She 
was a sister to Luther Austin. Her first marriage was to Alden 
Frost. Daniel Hall d. at AVest Peni village, Apr. 5. 1886. 

Samuel Howard 

Samuel Howai'd was the first white male child born in C'anton. 
He m. Polly Xewton in Dixfield. His residence was there a term 
of years. Occupation, brick layer and mason. Of their children, 
Samuel Ward Howard, b. in Dixfield around 1846, m. Emily M., 
dan. of Wm. Babl). Mr. Howard gained an honorable war record 
in Co. (\ 23d Me., a long time l)efore marriage. Occupation, 
farmer, on a portion of the Joel Hall farm. West Peru. Chil- 
.clren :— Estella M., b. Apr. 17, 1883; Myrtle A., b. Dec. 26, 1884, 
m. Aug. 2, 1905, T^eroy A. Bisbee. Their son, Linwood Leroy, 
was b. June 4, 1896; Helen D., b. Apr. 30, 1886, m. Perley Child; 
Wm. H., i). Aug. 30, 1887; Malva E., b. Oct. 23, 1889, m. Sept. 
24, 1910, Esbjom AViken in Peru; Wallace AV., b. Mav 18. 1894. 
Tliis is a Christian family, members of the F. B. Church. 

Joel Hall 

Anolhrr race (if Halls fn^ni Fahnoiith came to Peru in 1853, 
Joel, son of Oi-rie. both 1). Falmouth: Joe!, b. Feb. 10, 1818. d. 
May 25. 1879, m. Mary Hall, b. Buckdchl. Mar. 1, 1817, d. Oct. 
8, 1891, dau. of .\oah and Mary Han. (Miildren :— A^irgil P.. 
Xoah, Posannah, Tsora, Florilla L., m. June 6, 1891, AVni. H. 
Phinney in Peru, no issue; Flora Hall, b. June 23. 1855. d. Aug. 
16. 1856: Tsora, m.. Alar. 2!). 18S4, Ceo. AV. Farrar. 



History of the Towx of Peru 141 

Virgil P., in. May 15, 186:<J, Caroline J., b. Mar. 4, 183i), d. 
Aug. 24, 1869, dau. of Rev. Wm. Woodsum. Children: Wilber 
Lincoln, b. Dec. 15, 1863 ; Sarah Woodman, b. Feb. 15, 1865 ; Mary 
R.; Carrie, b. July 4, 1869. A'irgil Hall attended the fa1! term 
of Peru High School. He fitted for school teaching and taught 
several terms in town, witli good success. After the death of his 
wife, he removed to Aroostook county. 

Xoah Hall, m. July 27, 1862, Florilla W., h. Dec. 8, 18;!2. d. 
Mar. 31, 1900, dau. of Wm. 8. and Mary S. Ludden. Their dau.. 
Gertrude, b. Aug. 7, 1871, m. Geo. W. Snell, Ashland, Mass. They 
have dau., Beatrice, b. Aiig., 1899. Mrs. Noah Hall was on a 
visit to her daughter at South Framingham, Mass., where she 
died after two and a half weeks" sickness of gastric fever. Mr. 
Hall has served in various offices in town. He is a man of good 
repute, honest and honoraljle. This entire family were very genial 
and obliging. Joel Hall and wife took great interest in tlie (t range 
and were highly esteemed. 

Samuel Haines 

The progenitor of a long line of Haines famil3' was Samuel, 
who m. Polly Lovejoy, b. Oct., 1808. d. Oct. 20, 1870. Children: 
Daniel F., b. around 1827-8; Samuel P.. b. Oct. 1. 1829; Edward 
W., b. 1833; Azel L., b. 1843, d. Jan. 16, 1881, u. m. He was 
justice of the peace, res. awhile at East Peru. Daidel F., m (1st) 
Apr. 1, 1848, Mehitable, d. Aug. 9, 1867, dau. of Gardner Love- 
jo}^ by his first wife, Sally Burgess. CUiildren : — Willis E., I). 
Oct. 1, 1849, d. ae. 24 or 25 years; Wealthy Eveline, 1). No\. 
15, 1851, m. Feb. 22, 1869, Adelbert A. AVing. in Kumford ; he 

d., she m. (2nd) Weaver, and lie d.; Mary Angellette^ 

b. Oct. IS, 1sr,3. ni. James P. York in Peru; ({reenville M. b. 
Nov. 15, 1860: Ellsworth. Children of Daniel F. Haines by sec- 
ond wife, Sarah R., dau. of Alpheus Burgess. Children : — Wal- 
lace E., b. Nov. 20, 1868, m. Orrie E., dau. of John Austin, Jr. ; 
Addie E., m. Sept., 1888, Jefferson Thomas, in Rd.: Lizzie, m. 
Raymond Jackson. He was killed by logs rolling on him, both 
dead. Eiigene. m. Louise, dau. of Sidney Austin. Farmers on 
home farm of mother; Jennie, m. Geo. Lapham, res. Rd. ; Willis 
S., m. Mildred F.. dau. of Benj. D. Packard, in Peru. res. on 
Curtis farm. Born, Sept. 1, 1909, to wife of Willis S. Haines, 
a son. 

Samuel P. Haines, m. Nov. 20, 1859. d. Jan. 30, 1892, ae. 
63 years, Angelia V., b. Jan. 2, 1840, d. at West Peru, Dec. 28, 



142 HlSTOEY OF THE TOWX OF PeEU 

1910, ae. TO yrs., 11 mos., 27 days, Jau. of Luther Austin. Chil- 
dren: — Eliphalet P., b. Sept. 3, 18G0, m. Apr. 26, 1885, divorced 
1892; Susie P., dau. of James Gowell; tlieir dau., Geneva D., b. 
Apr. 18, 188G, m. May 1, 1905, Arthur W. Brown of Massachusetts. 
He left wife. She got a bill of divorce and took her maiden name. 
Eliphalet is providing a home for his mother in her declining 
years at West Peru VilL; Zenas B., b. Aug. 5, 1862, m. Mabel 
Hodgdon, Lewiston, went West in 1886 ; Albert E., b. Oct. 19, 1867, 
ra. Olive Martin of Rumford, res. Auburn; Alonzo d. young, 1880; 
H. Harwood, b. Jan. 25, 1883, d. Dec. 3, 1883; Samuel A., b. Feb. 
21, 1872, m. Mariam Sawyer of Lewiston. He d. July 10, 1901, 
ae. 29 yrs. 

Samuel P. Haines was a farmer in comfortable circumstances 
on Burgess Hill, overlooking the valley of the Androscoggin, ex- 
tending north to Ed. Falls. His farm was adjoining, if not a 
part of. the Luther Austin farm, who made a clearing in 1830, 
comprising a large tract of fertile, arable land all tliese years. 
This branch of the Haines family were honest and honorable. 

EdAvard W., b. 1833, d. Aug. 15, 1888, m. mv. 1, 1853 ; Ellen 
M., b. May 19, 1836, d. Kov. 15, 1865, dau. of John Austin, Sr. 
Children :— Mary Angeline, b. Oct. 9, 1853, d. Oct., 1861; John 
Sullivan, b. Oct. 19, 1851, d. Sept., 1864; James Munroe, b. Aug. 
10, 1856, m. Jan. 1, 1905, Emma M. Wing, Dixfield; Charles F., 
b. Oct. 15, 1858; Ellen W., d. Sept., 1864; Ellen M., d. Nov. 15. 
1865. Edward ^Y., the parent, was mustered in U. S. service, 
Co. D, 12th Me. Vols., Sept. 7, 1861, and re-enlisted after two 
years' honorable service. He deserted May 27, 1864. He m. 
(2nd) Mar. 4, 1868, Caroline A., dau. of Stephen L. and Louisa 
(Prescott) Wing. Children: — Edward A., m. (1st) Lillian E. 
Berry, b. Byron, widow, dau. Jacob Hodsdon. Her children by 
Berry:— Carroll T. and Marion; wife d. Feb. 13, 1907. 

Children of Edward A. :— Eodney E., Bertha L., Alice J. Ed- 
ward A. is one of Peru's talented musicians. He plays the violin, 
res. West Peru Vill. Children younger than Edward: — Lula L., 
b. July 2, 1884; Mertie E., b. Feb. 27, 1888; Edward A., ae. 37 
m. 2nd. Apr. 14. 1910; Christina H., ae. 24, dau. of John 
W. Whittier and Jennie M. Burgess of Peru. Edward W. was 
a farmer on Burgess Hill, where he d. ; son, Chas. F., m. Del 
Wing. Their dau., Effie, m. Melvin Lovejoy, his second wife. 
Lovejoy works at spool mill, Dixfield. 



HiSTOEY OF THE TOWX OF PeRU 143 

Hodsdon 

Greonleaf Hodsdon, b. in BjTon, May 16, 1839, was the son 
of John and Adeline Greene Hodsdon, m. June 23, 1838, and one 
of the first settlers, continuing there fifty years through life, farm- 
ers. Greenleaf, m. (1st) Jan. 21, 1839, Eliza, dau. of Hamilton 
Eidley of Wayne. Their children are: — Lula, Addie, Gertrude 
and Gervace. Wife d. Mr. Hamilton m. (2nd) Jan. 8, 1890, 
Addie E., dau. of John C. Lane of N'ew Gloucester; no issue. 

Mr. Hodsdon has resided the last few years at Mechanic Falls, 
retired. He had suffered more or less for years from debility 
along the alimentary canal. Food distressed him, but it was 
hard to locate or relieve the pain. Growing worse, he went to the 
hospital for consultation and was operated on for appendicitis, but 
was all right there. The knife was applied to the opposite side, 
revealing an abscess that involved an intestine. Tins was removed 
and connection made, but consciousness failed to return. He d. 
Aug., 1910. For further events, see stores and traders at Peru. 

Hazelton 

The family of John T. and Lydia J. Hazelton, m. June 11, 
1813, came from Springfield, ?^. H., to Peru in 1866 and settled 
on the Milo ^Morrill farm. Mr. Hazelton was ]). in Manchester, 
N. H.. Sept. 5, 1819, d. in Peru, Apr. 20, 1869: wife b. Mar. 24, 
1824, d. May, 1908, in family of dau., Mrs. Chas. S. Walker, at 
the old Walker homestead. This was a Christian family of high 
order and refinement. Writer has personal knowledge that Mrs. 
Hazelton possessed Christian graces and high ideals, revealed in 
everyday life. Children : — Sidney A., b. June 1, 1845, enrolled 
Pvt. Co. F. 11th N. H. A^ols., d. in service. Mrs. Hazelton was 
pensioned as dependent mother; Chas. H., b. 1847, d. in Spring- 
field, 1865: Gralman N".^ b. igSO. d. 1861: Alma C, b. 1852, d. 
1853: John P., b. 1854, d. 1859: Myron S., b. 1856. d. 1859: 
Lizzie S., b. June 5, 1860, m. Chas. S. Walker; Arthur S., b. Nov. 
23, 1863, m. Ida H. Sanborn of Hartland, Me. Their children:— 
Lena M., Dora H., m. spring of 1909, Mr. Pratt, a farmer, res. 
Hartland; Sidney A.,; Gertrude H., wife, d. of consumption, 
spring of 1903. Husband m. (2nd) May 2, 1908, Luella Lane, 
"divorced." His two youngest children live with him and wife 
on her farm in Peru, annex to Eumford. Lena M. fitting for 
teacher at Farmington Normal School. 



144 History of the Town of Peru 

Howard 

-iohii Howard and wife, Eliza, the dan. of Daniel Whitman, nu 
around 183';?, removed from Mexico to East Peru Yill. in 1853. 
He was b. Dec. 0, 1809, d. Xov. 9, 1883. His wife was b. Dec. 
7, 1807, d. May 17, 1871. Their children :—Lenora, b. 1833, m. 
Stanle.y Virgin in Humford ; had daus., Cora, Anna and Minnie. 
Ellura E., b. 183(5, m. Aug., 1853, John Oldham. Children:— 
Harriet E. ; .Tiilia, d., ae. 13; Chas. I. Howard, b. 1839, m., 1863, 
Sarah A., dau. of John 8. Ludden. Their cliildren were John and 
Sarah. John m. Jennie, dau. of Jacob Lovejoy, Mexico; Sarah 
m. Edwin Carver in Lewiston. 

Oscar M.. b. Aug.. 1842, m., 186-3, Martha, dau. of Moses 
Treat of Dixfield. Seven children, two d. young: — A\sl I., Wal- 
ter, Arno, Moses and Bert. Edgar ^I., b. Feb., 1844, m. Eunice 
T. Oldliam in Peru; Scott H., b. Dec, 1849, m. Marion Alley of 
Hartford. Children: — Merton and Bessie. Mary E., b. 1853, m. 
Gilbert Smith. Children: — Albert J., Jennie (burned at Liver- 
more, ae. 1"2), ]N"ellie. Gilbert Smith and family went West iit 
early eighties. Wife got a bill of divorce. She m. (^nd) Albert 
Mansion in Michigan. Their children, a son and two daus. Mr. 
Howard ran the lumber mills at East Peru over thirty years; 
now retired on farm at head of Worthly Pond, d. Feb. 4, 1910. 
Children: — Julia T., m. 1895, Edward X_ French at Liverniore 
Falls; Sarah L., m., 1900, Hamlin L. Dyke at Liverniore Falls; 
Earl E., m. May 16, 1907, Mabel L. Miller. They live with his 
parents, have son. Alied Earl, b. Feb. 11, 1908. Edna E. 

Harlow 

The Hai-low family came to Peru and settled on the west side 
of Worthly Pond, on the Hiram Wormell farm, in 1845. Wil- 
liam Harlow, b. 1800, in Minot, d. Sept. 1, 1878; and wife, Eliza 
Lapham before marriage, d. July 31, 1868, ae. 65 years, were 
formerly of Massachusetts. There came with them seven chil- 
dren. Amos L., b. Feb. 4, 1823; Louisa H., m. pub. Dec. 28, 
1849, Ira Thorn, son of John Tliorn of Hartford. She d. at 
Chas. S. Walker's, Peru, Apr. 24. 1905. Mr. Thorn d. several 
years before. Their only child, Ira Orland, m. the dau. of Na- 
thaniel Smitli at Brettun's Mills, Livci-more. where l)oth families 
lived in the seventies. This son resided at Lewiston in 1905. 
Drove baker's cart; Emily, b. Aug. 12, 1830, m. pub. Xov. 14, 
1854, Chas. Dunn, who later carried on brick making at Aul)urn. 



History of the Towx of PETti: 145 

Me., where lie d. Apr. 1908, ae. 89 years; \\m., Jr., b. May 30, 
1834, m. pub. Oct. 31, 1860, Hulcla E., b. Dec. 33 1838, dau. of 
Hannibal Bisbee of Peru. Mr. Harlow was a soldier in the war 
of '61, on quota of Peru. He is a resident of Minneapolis, Minn. 
Children: — Elisha Bisbee Harlow, b. Xov. 30, 1866; Annie L., b 
Mar. 31, 1874; Xathan B., b. Apr. 35, 1836, served Pvt. Co. C, 
19tli Me. Eegt., in war of '61, was wounded in service and is a 
pensioner. He m., around 1856, Eunice A. Fletcher, dau. of 
James, and later on was successor of Winfield S. Shackley on the 
farm above Eipley's mill; wife d. Dec. 3, 1900; Willard S., b. 
July 4, 1841, d. single, Oct. 9, 1867; Charles A., b. July 36, 1844, 
d. single, July 35, 1876; Amos L., m. pub. Dec. 16, 1856; Ann 
D., dau. of Ira Wormell. Their children: — May F. and Fannie 
L. ; the latter d. ^ay 31, 1871, ae. 13 months. Etta 0., adopted 
dau., d. Oct. 33, 1861. ae. 17 years; wife d. Apr. 10, 1878, ae. 
40 years, 3 months. Mr. Harlow m. (3nd) Delia Eustis (widow), 
dau. of Wm. and Mercy Walkei'. This family were prosperous 
farmers. Mr. Harlow and other members of the family were 
zealous Eepublicans and strong Universalists, strictly upright and 
honorable. He d. Feb. 15. 1896. His widow d. Nov. 14, 1906, 
at the Walker homestead. 

Children of N'athan B. and Eunice Harlow: — Cora A., b. Sept. 
38, 1857, unmarried on home farm, later left town: Carroll A., b. 
Dec. 13, 1859, m. Mary Davis, have six children, res. Oregon; 
Clarence G., b. Jidy 30, 1866, single; Ealph L., m. Xellie Stover, 
have two children, res. New Hampshire; Arthur L., m. Jan. 33, 
1906, Ethel T. Irish, dau. of Samuel F. and Betsey J. Irish; 
Sadie J., m. Aug. 33, 1891, Willis C, son of Lowell Smith. Chil- 
dren:— Henry B., b. Aug. 3, 1893, res. 19 Ware St., Lewiston, 
where wife d., 1909; Willard S., single, barber in Auburn; Lucy 
T., m. Fred G., son of Milo G. Morrill. Arthur L. and wife carry 
on home farm since marriage. JSTathan B. went to live with son, 
Carroll, in Oregon, 1909. He d. Sept. 19, 1911 in Minot, at 
home of Cora Harlow. 

Hussey 

George 0. Hussey, b. Albion, 'Me., Mar. 35, 1840, m., around 
1873, Edna M., b. Liberty, Me., dau. of Jacob B. Peavey. Chil- 
dren :— Edwin C, b. Jan. 83, 1873, in Minot, d. in Peru, Oct. 4, 
1901. ae. 37 years, 8 months; Alton E., b. June 30. 1907, d. May 
37. 1900; Henry 0., m. Jan. 25, 1903, Ethel M., dau. of Benj. D. 
Packard and Alberta A. Davis, dau. of Allen Davis. This fam- 



14:6 HiSTOUY OF THE TOWX OF PeKU 

ily, including ^Iv. Peave\' and liis son^ Charles L., settled in town 
at Diekvale in early eighties, on the Bradford "Wyman fanu. Geo. 
0. was in war of "61, Co. G, 2-ith Me., and a charter member of 
Demeritt Post, mustered in Apr. 30, 1886. He and wife were 
members of the Grange, No. 109, and held in higli esteem as citi- 
zens of the commnnity. Wife, Edna M., d. May 13, 1888, ae. 
37 3^ears, 8 montlis. Mr. Peavey, the parent, d. July 10, 1885, ae. 
78 years, -4 months; Chas. A., d. Jan. 10, 189"2, ae. 44: years; 
John M. Hussey (brother of Geo. 0.) member of Burden Sharp 
Shooters, war of "61, b. June 11, 1837, d. Mar. 18, 1901:, grave in 
Hussey lot at Diekvale. Geo. 0. m. (^nd) Widow Dean, on 
Taintor farm. Valley road, Dixfield; wife d. He m. (3rd) Widow 
AVhittier. Geo. 0. Hussey d. Oct. 7, 190-t. Henry 0. and family 
reside on the old Jewett farm in Canton. He is a steady, indus- 
trious farmer. 

Hopkins Family, 200 Years 

The first Peter Hopkins of whom we have any account was 
elected to the offices of selectman, highway surveyor and tything- 
man at x\ugusta, 1771. He was an Englishman, came from Bos- 
ton. In 1781 he made a clearing on a farm at north part of Mon- 
mouth, near Winthrop. At a town meeting of the inhabitants 
of the district of Wales, which covered what is now Monmouth, 
on the 24:th day of August, 1781, he was chosen moderator and 
chosen to act as captain that year. Ever after he bore the title 
of captain. In plantation meeting of ]\Ionmouth, Capt. Peter 
Hopkins was chosen moderator, 1789. He was engaged in a 
country store and potash manufactory, 1790, and held important 
offices several years. 

In 1792," date of incorj^oration of 62 legal voters, there were 
10 framed houses, of which the captain owned 1, and 2 shops 
and 13 cattle, he being next to the largest owner, who had 16. 
In 1795, his wife having died, he sold his property to his son, 
George, who enlarged the potash works of his father. He had 
helped build a sa\vmill on Wilson stream at North Monmouth 
and was one-fourth owner. Capt. Peter Hopkins m. Hannah 
Alexander of Bowdoin. They had six children. One Avas Peter, 
Jr., who m., Oct. 25, 1781, Silence, the dau. of Benj. King of 
New Ipswich, N. H. Benj. King entered the Continental army 
during the war of the revolution and it is presumed that he was 
killed, as he was never heard from afterward. His wife and six 
of her seven children removed to Maine and settled in Winthrop 



Hl8TUKY Oi'' THE ToW X OF PeKU 147 

and Moumoiitli. Silence was one of the number, and m. Peier 
Hopkins, Jr., then of Winthrop. This war service is Avorthy of 
note in view of "Daughters of American Revolution." Their 
children were as follows: 

Oliver, b. Monmouth, ITS'-^, d. Oct., 1874, m. i^ancy Prescott 
of East Monmouth, July 1, 1806; he was enrolled a member of 
the home militia ; he removed to Peru, 1809, prior to the birth of 
son, Calvin. Peter, Jr., 2nd, b. 1787, m., 1810, Unity Frost; re- 
moved to Franklin Plan. Dorcas, m. (1st) York, (2nd) 

Turner Curtis. Lovina, m. Rice King in "Whitefield, Me. Hiram, 
removed to Florida. Wager, m. Prudence Libb}'. As given, these 
names are not knoAvn to be the exact order of birth. 

Children of Oliver and Xancy Hopkins, born in Peru: — -Cal- 
vin, b. Feb. 10, 1809; Ira Sumner, b. Mar. 6, 1811; Jedediah P., 
b. Aug. 26, 1818; Lovina, b. Oct. 3, 1820; Prudence, b. Apr. 29, 
1823. (1. Aug. 3, 1841; Nancy Prescott, b. May 22, 1831, d. Sept. 
3, 1847; Mercy, b. Sept. 29, 1825; Oliver, m. (2nd pub.) Dec. 
26, 1852, Sarah Stockbridge. He d. in Dixfield, 1874. His grave 
is in Bishop Cemetery, Peru; Calvin Hopkins, m. (1st) 1848, 
Sarah F., dan. of Paul Hammon, Jr., children: — Mary Morrill, 
b. Feb. 25, 1841, m. Henry "Willis Brackett in Dixfield; Samuel 
M., b. Feb. 10, 1843, d. Apr. 15. 1844; Eliza Ellen, b. Jan. 4, 
1845. m. Leonard Brackett, Dixfield; Orry Ann, b. Jan. 28, 1847, 
d. Dec. 2. 1860; wife, Sarah F., d. Sept. 9. 1848. Mr. Hopkins 
m. (2nd) May 10, 1849, Mary Jane Litchfield of Somersworth, 
jST. H. Affinities lacking, they parted. He m. (3rd pub.) Jan. 
14, 1856, Laura Ann. her maiden name was Pratt, widow of Benj. 
Thurston of Xorway. Had son, Willie M., b. Feb. 25, 1858. 
Wliat a change was wrought the year following. The head of 
this family, tired of life, sought to end life's warfare by hanging, 
June 5, 1859. The widow and son removed to Mechanic Falls. 

Ira Sumner Hopkins, m. Dec. 22, 1839, Elizabeth Towne, b. 
Brunswick. Feb. 1, 1813. They had four children. He d. May 
7. 18S5. Xo further information. Jedediah P. Hopkins, m. Xov. 
9, 1840, Xaomi, dan. of Josiah Orcutt of Monmoutli. They 
were enterprising and industrious farmers, honest and upright 
citizens. He d. Mar. 22, 1886 ; wife d. July 7, 1888. Children :— 
Prudence Olivia, b. Dec. 19, 1841, m. pub. Aug. 21, 1869, Charles 
A. Richards of Roxbury, Me. Their residence is Maysville. Col- 
orado, Ranchop. Martha Ann Chesman, b. Oct. 29, 1845, m. 
Henry F. Floyd, formerly of Xew Hampshire. Oliver Chandler 
Hopkins, b. May 30, 1851, m. Sept. 23, 1874, Alice M., b. Sept. 



1-18 History of tile Toavx of Pkru 

19, 185;>, (lau. of Beiij. and Sarah W. Eoberts. Children: — 
Edith L., d. Oct. IS), 188"3, ac. 2 years, 9 months, 6 da3^s. Merle, 
b. Oct. 27, 1891. 

Tills family's house was the home of Mrs. Hopkin's childhood. 
The farm was first cleared and settled by Amos Knight, probably 
around 1800. Their first child was born 1804, evidently on this 
farm. The present owners are prominent and highly esteemed 
citizens. Mr. Hopkins has held important offices in town and 
was Master of Peru Grange in 1905. 

Peter Hopkins, Jr., 2nd, m. Unity Frost and moved to Fi'ank- 
lin Plantation. AVriter presumes Unity was a descendant of Xoah 
Frost. Children: — Peter, Jr., 3d, who entered the ministry and 
was Eev. Peter, Jr., 3d ; Ebenezer K. ; Silence, who ni. Elbridge 
Wing, the father of Viola B., improving the strain. George 
Hopkins, m. Sarah Prey. Children : — Isaac W., m. Mary E. Ab- 
bott and Francesca C, m. Edison G. Spofford; their son, Geo., in 
Massachusetts; Anson G. Hopkins, m. xA.ffie Randall; Isaac AV. 
Hopkins, ae. 18, mustered Sept. 29, 1862, Co. F, 23d Me. Regt., 
dis. July 15, 1863. He d. Apr. 25, 1880, leaving his widow and 
dau.. Bertha. 

Rev. Peter Hopkins held religious service on a Sunday at the 
]\Iethodi«t meeting house near the close of his ministry. He gavb 
testimony of special blessings, temporal and spiritual, that came 
to him in connection with his labor in the ministry. It is well 
known that his salary and the salary of those before him in the 
ministry was meager, yet God rewards His faithful servants, and 
the general tenor of tliis servant's talk was that it pays to be a 
Christian. Temporal blessings come unsolicited. It was not the 
big salary of the twentieth century that induced old time ministers 
to follow this vocation. On the contrary, they were prompted, 
yes, impelled, to save and restore fellow-men. Armed and 
equipped with spiritual power, they sought to do the Divine Will. 
The standard quality of old time religion was the spiritual brand. 
More of it is needed in this age of the world. 

Rev. Peter. Jr., 3rd, b. around 1814, d. Apr. 23, 1889. m. Mar. 
17, 1840; Experience, dau. of Sampson and Betsey Howe of Iauui- 
ford. Their children: — Hiram P., 1). 18-11. d. in army service, 
Co. D, 12t]i Regt., Me. A^ols., war of "61. Jan. 26, 1862. His 
motlier went South, visited the regiment and place of son's burial. 
She identified the remains by his stockin2:s that she had knit for 
him at home. He was brought home to Franklin Cemetery ; dau., 
Vesta L., b. 1815. d. Apr. 2, 1862. Ebenezer K. Hopkins, b. in 



HlSTOKY OF Till-; TOWX OF I' FAIL- lid 

Piauklin, JL*ec., lbV;J, d. Mar. G, lyu., m. Cyutiiia, clau. oi Clias. 
K. Johnson; wife d. Nov. 19, 1896. Mr. Hopkins was a professor 
and good exliorter of religion. Cliildren: — Clias. K., d. Dee. 11, 
1801-, ae., 8 years; John, 1). Fel). 26. 1850, ni. Oct. 25, 1875, Mary 
E. dau. of Mike Lnoiiey. Their children are Jennie M., who m. 
Edgar Otis Wyinau; Willie A. Hopkins, b. Aug. 24, 1880, res. 
West i\'ni Till.; occupation, farm laborer. He is nicely situated. 

Samuel Holmes, Jr. 

Samuel Holmes, Jr., a lineal descendant of John Holmes, who 
came to Plymouth, Mass., in 1632, was born in Amherst, Mass., 
June 17, 179;; m. (1st) Mar. 1, 1819, Clarissa A., dan. of Maj. 
David Marston of Monmouth. Prior to coming to Maine, he was 
a soldier in war of 1812-11, mustered at Pittsburg, served three 
weeks and received an honorable discharge. His children, b. in 
Monmouth, were: — Samuel Leonard, b. Feb. 12, 1820, m. Dec, 
1819, Louisa T. Paige of Oldtown. They had three sons, Samuel 
Leonard. Jr., b. Xov., 1850. in Harrison, Me., enlisted 3 years in 
U. S. navy when 11: years old, discharged in foreign port, went on 
merchant vessel, came to Fall River in 1905, having been absent 
40 years; second son. Edward Caleb, b. Oct., 1852, in Oldtown, d. 
in th]-ee years; third son, Edward Caleb, b. Dec, 1856; wife d. 
June 5, 1880. Samuel Leonard, m. (2nd) Phidelia A. Lufkin, 
*VidoAv," was Godwin, in Eumford : no issue. Mr. Holmes spent 
his declining years here and d. around 1906. Samuel Leonard. 
Jr.. rii. in Oakland, Cal., May, 1876, Jennie Davis. She d. ]iiay. 
1882. The above Miss Clarissa A. Marston came witli parents 
from Epping, N". H., in 1794. Mr. Holmes located near Mon- 
mouth Academy, whei'e throe or more of the oldest cbihltvu bad 
school advantages. 

The second child of Samuel Holmes was Mary Elizabetli, b. 
June 11. 1821, m. Jan. 31. 1847, Pev. Seth B. Chase (see life of 
Chase family). David P.. b. Mar. 15, 1823. He, with the other 
members of his* father's family, came from 3Ionmouth to Peiu in 
1839, having purchased the Samuel Walker farm adjoining the 
Daniel Lunt farm on river. David P.. on attaining his majorit}', 
was emjoloyed a term of years in Boston, in mercantile pursuits, 
as clerk or salesman. He m., June, 1856, Jerusha, dau. of Chas. 
Morse of Dixfield; had two children, Chas. 0., b. June. 1858. d. 
Apr. 21. 1865; Grace A., b. Jan.. 1870. David P. Holmes was 
a man of unlilemisbed character, modi'st and refined. Tt is doubi- 



150 History of the Towx of Vkjiu 

fnl if he ever gave offens(3 by word or deed. It was easy for him 
to be a Cliristian; seemed to Ije born that way. His home was in 
Massaelnisetts through life after marriage. He settled his father's 
estate with liis stepmother at Dixfield very satisfactorily, without 
administration. He d. in Massaclmsctts, Jan. 1, 1888; was in- 
terred at the family lot, East Peru. Three years later, widow re- 
married E. C. Stuart, res. Colorado. Clarissa x\ugusta, b. Feb. 3, 
1837, is a highly esteemed Christian maiden lady, living at 1168 
Highland Ave., Fall River, Mass. 

Orpheus, 1). Mar. 16, 1839. He was a steady young man of 
good habits. Like all the cliildren of the family, he had no use 
for tobacco in any form, or spiritous liquors. On leaving homb 
to act for himself, he chose railroading. He was serving as braKc- 
man on freight train when near Blackstone, Mass. Train was 
passing an overhead crossing; he was felled from top of car and 
killed, June 36,- 1853. His grave is at East Peru. Lewis, b. May 
13, 1831, was Sy^ years old when family came to Peru, and here 
he completed his school days in district N"o. 1. On leaving home 
he began railroading at Boston, and served many years. He m. 
(1st) in 1863, Susan A. Collins, dan. of Hiram Collins of Bakers- 
field, A^t. Their home was in Williiuantic, Conn., where were 
b., Xov. 1863, Lewis M., who d. 1886. Riss b. 1875, d. 1886, both 
deaths a few days apart. Inez M., b. Jan. 36, 1876 ; m. Dec. 17, 
1903, Hugh La Master, res. Tecumseh. Xch. Cniildren. Cherius 
M., b. Oct. 33, 1904; second child, b. July 33, 1906; wife, Susan 
A., d. Mar. 33, 1893. Mr. Holmes m. (3nd) July 17, 1894, Mary, 
dan. of Benj. Ellis, in Monmouth. They lived on wife's home 
place till his death, May 14. 1908 ; sickness, rheumatism and can- 
cer in stomach. He was a Christian, respected and loved by all. 
Mrs. Holmes retains her home. N'o issue. 

Chester D. Holmes 1). Dec. 4, 1832. He Avas a brilliant young 
man; was allowed to seek employment in Boston before of age. 
Confinement in doors proved detrimental to his healtli and con- 
stitution, IJad he continued a farm life, doubtless he would have 
lived longer. He died of consumption on birthday, Dec. 4, 1866. 
Crave, E. Peru. Eliza Ann. b. Feb. 35, 1835, m. in 1861, Milford 
Young in East Harwich. Mass. He d. in 1863. AVidow m. 3nd, 
John W. Starkweather. They have 4 ehihlren, 3 daughters liv- 
ing, 1905. Wm. Henry Harrison i). in Peru July 38, 1840. He 
was a pnmiising youth. He attained a good knowledge of com- 
mon scliool studies. 



HisTOiiv OF TFiK Town of Pfru. 151 

"Wife C'larrissa d. Mar. 14, 184-8, ae. ol yvs. the mother of ten 
chil. in twenty years. Mr. Holmes' second wife was Nancy, dan. 
of James Lunt, m. Sept. 17, 1848. Children :— Nancy Plelen, b. 
Sept. 29, 1849. d. Jan. 31, 1862; James L., b. Aug. lo, 1851. Af- 
ter graduating from the district school, he attended seminary at 
Kent's Hill. Was there in spring of 1870, m. Sept. 1876, Delia 
Foot of Adrian, Mich. Child:— Sanrl E., b. 1877, d. May 1878; 
Orpheus, b. May 23, 1853, d. Jan. 18, 1862. Death in 1862 due to 
diphtheria; Dorcas, b. June 19. 1856. d. July 27. 1856, stifled in 
bed. Xo crib. 

"Wife Xancy, d. Xov. 20, 1868. Samuel Holmes m. ;)(1, Re- 
becca Hall (widow) of Jonathan Hall. He sold his farm soon to 
Seth Babb for $2800 and bought the Lyman Eustis stand at Dix- 
field village, where he lived a c^uiet life till close, Feb. 25, 1882. 
He was a pensioner for 1812 war. Mrs. Holmes survives him and 
is pensioned 1910. To show tlie decline of farm value. Holmes 
farm was sold 1901 for $1200, condition as good as at former sale. 
Samuel Holmes possessed energy, force and good judgment. He 
was honest, generous, upright : he squared his daily life by the 
golden rule. He was prominent in town affairs and Moderator in 
Town Meetings many years: prominent in the Methodist Churcli 
and all moral reforms. 

Obituary 

]Mrs. Rebecca Hall Holmes died at the home of her daugliter,. 
;Mrs. S. H. Xelke, at 765 Dudley street, Dorchester, Mass., on the 
eighth of March 1911. in her 82d year. Mrs. Rebecca, widow of 
Samuel Holmes of Dixfield and Peru, Maine. Deceased for some 
months has been slowly failing from tlie infirmities of age. She 
was one of six daughters of the late xVmos Lindsey and Hannah 
Leavitt of Canton. The children v.-ere Lydia, Jane, Dwight, Re- 
becca, Emily, Isabel, Clarinda M. and Harriet C, of whom the last 
only survives. 

The following lines to his mother were written by her son, 
John Hall, on her 81st birthday: — 

Deal' mother, 

"Tis almost sunset : 
Life's journey is nearly done. 
How wearisome seems the closing 
Of four-score vears and one I 



152 HivSTORY OF TIIK ToWX OF PfEC. 

O iIk' 1()Ii<2; and toilsoine joiunev, 
I'lii' chhing- tide of the years. 
()\(M' nKiuntains Ijathed in sunshine, 
'i'hiu \ai!e_vs hctU'wed with tcai's. 

Hear nintlier, "tis ahiKi.-t nioniino", 
Tlie dawn of a l_)rigiiter day: 
The ripened harvest is g-arnered, 
The reapers have gone aAvay. 

What joy to join the dear ones. 
Who wait on tlie otiier sliore, 
Wiiere I^ove is Life eternal 
And sorrow is nevermore. 

Edward Hall in Duxbury 

Duxl^nry was first called Duxborrow side and was a sort of 
summer resort for many of the pilgrims who Avere in need of more 
land. At first tliey returned to Plymoiitli winters for safety from 
the Indians and for church and other conveniences. Seven of the 
Mayflower pilgrims made it their permanent home and nine others 
who came in tlie Fortune. The town extended Xorth to N'orth 
Eiver, ^Y., taking in Pembrook and tlie Bridgewaters. Marshfield 
was first separated. The (general Court was in Plymouth where all 
matters were settled. The early pilgrims were mostly English. 
Their occupation was ''getting a living any way they could." At 
a Court of Assistants held Oct. 2, 1637, ten acres of land was grant- 
ed to Edward Hall, lying in Duxbury near Marshfield. At court 
June 2, 1637-8, the last will and testament of John Cole was ])i'oved 
by John ?)ravnard and Edward Hall. 

'•Edward Hall of Duxiiorrow i-^ lycensed Feb. 4. 1638-9 to 
build upon lii< lot there if Mr. Collier, Mr. Partrich, Jonathan 
Brewster and William Bassett shall tliink meete and appoynt some 
other neighbors also to build by him foi' the good of the town." 
Nov. 3(K 1610 Edward Hall is gianted 25 acres of land at Manassa- 
cusset. June I, 1617 Edward Hall and Job Browne were Super- 
visors of Highways. In 16t6-7 Edward Hall comp'd Agt. ('apt. 
Myles Standi^h and Jonatlian Brewster etc. for what was due liim 
for building the court. They satisfy and pay him according to 
their au'reement. ('(m^^tant Southwoith sold land to Edward Hall 
afterwards bought h\' John Aldcn. 



History of the Town of Peru. 153 

Aug. IGrto, Edward Hall was one of the home militia enrolled iu 
Duxbury able to bear arms between the age of 16 and 60. In 1645 
an expedition fitted out against the Xarrohiggansets (Indians) 
and their confederates that contained six Duxbury men, Avho went 
first and among them Edward Hall. They were in service seven- 
teen days and received pay as follows: £4 5s from Plymouth 
colony and afterwards £6 15s from the town. Duxbury was in- 
corporated 1637. 'The word "colony"' above refers to Mass. under 
her first charter of colonial government, Plymouth being one of the 
colonies, and Wm. Bradford then Governor. Two of Edward's 
■older children mentioned in Duxbur}^ history (made known 1911) 
were John b. 1651, and a dau. named for her mother, Esther or 
Hester, b. Oct. "^3, 1654. Winthrop's historian gives the name of 
wife Esther or Hester, Duxbury 's historian gives Hester. Both 
fail to give maiden name. Later record gives Hester and chil., 
John, b. 1651; dau. Hester, b. Oct. 23, 1654. Benj., the 4th child 
h. Aug. 7, 1668 about two years before jjarent Edward's death. 
Nanu^ of his 3d child is not revealed. 

^ Hall Family 

The ancester of the first Hall familv in Dixfield and Peru, 
represented by Jeremiah, Jonathan and JelTerson in 1821, so far 
as known was Edward and wife Hester Hall of Duxbury, Mass. 
They were in this country as early as 1636. After living in sev- 
-eral towns they settled 1655 in Pehoboth, Mass. He d. Xov. 27. 
1670. His 4th child, Benjamin, b. Rehoboth Aug. 7, 1668, m. in 
AYrentham Jan. f). 1691-2, Saiah Fisher, v.'liere lie lived and d. 
Aug. 25, 1726. and wife d. Nov. 2, 1753. Their children: — Sarah, 
b. Feb. 20, 1696-7. d. before 1708-9: Jeremiah, b. May 23. 1697: 
Dorothy, b. May 20, 1700. m. Sept. 11, 1720, Samuel Ellis; Ben- 
jamin, b. May 8, 1703, m. Xov. 15, 1727, Betty Blake: Preserved, 
b. Xov. 28. 1706. m. Sept. 10, 1729, Abigail Whitney in AVrenthaiu: 
Sarah Hall, b. Mar. 15. 1708-9, m. Aug. 22. 1734. Peter Lyon of 
Walpole. 

The children of Preserved and Abigail (Whitney) Hall: — 
Abijah. b. July 18, 1730: Timothy, b. Apr. 29, 1732: Esther, b. 
Apr. 16. 1734: Jonathan, b. Feb. 7. 1735-6: Jeremiah, b. June 16, 
1738, m. Oct. 16, 1760, Betty Blake in Wrentham : Xathan, b. Se])t. 
4, 1740. He had a wife Elizal)eth and dau. Mary. 1). Mar. 12. 1773: 
Abijah. b. Oct. 21. 1774 and Betty, b. Feb. 21, 1776. He d. Oct. 
26, 1775 in "Winthrop, Me. Parent Preserved Hall d. Hallowell, 
'Mr.. 17.80. 



154 History of tile Towx of Peru. 

Joriiah Hall, b. May 16, 1743. Tli.s wife's given iianie was 
Amiable. Their children were Xathan, b. Jan. 22, l?(i5; Allen, b. 
Jan. 29, irOT, in. 1788, Maria Lyon; xVbigail, b. Apr. 13, 1769, m. 
1789, Church Brainarcl. The last child of Preserved Hall is 
Abigail, b. ^ox. 8, 1745, m. ISTathaniel Stanley in Winthrop. De- 
scending to the next generation the aforementioned Jeremiah and 
Eetty (Blake) Hall m. Oct. 16, 1760, had son. Liberty, b. Wren- 
tham Mar. 30, 1775, m, Readfield, Me. Pub. as per Readfield 
record Feb. 15, 1799, Lydia Foster of Monmoutli, dau. of Daniel 
Foster. He d. June 15, 1816 and was buried in Dixfield. Wife 
d. a year or two previous, was carried to Readfield for interment. 
Preserved Hall was a land owner in Winthrop before 1774 though 
his residence, as shown by Probate of Will in 1780, w^as Hallowell. 
His sons, Xathan, Josiah and Jeremiah the father of Liberty 
were residents of Winthrop. Xathan had a house and lot in 1772. 
Josiah was prominent in town affairs and Town Clerk in 1776 and 
last town office 1781. He left town 1781-82. Jeremiali was an 
active, energetic man, could make and keep money. He was the 
first man to erect a dam and saw mill at N'ortli Monmouth. He 
bought a lot of land in Winthrop in 1778 and was i-eceived into 
the Congregational Church there the same year. The latest date 
of residence is 1783, when Assurity on Probate Bond. 

Children of Liberty and Lydia (Foster) Hall: — Tlionias F., b. 
Feb. 13, 1800; Jeremiah, b. Sept. 13, 1801; Jonathan, b. Aug. 14, 
1802; Erastus. b. March 25, 1804; these four b. Readfield; Liberty, 
Jr., b. June 2, 1805; Jefferson, b. Apr. 27, LS07 : Elbridge. b. June 
2, 1811; Elijah, b. Apr. 27, 1809; Holiert L., b. Oct. 28. 1812, five 
1). Dixfield. 

Following tiie death of the parents, several of the boys liad 
homes with the farmers in Peru. T^iberty li\e(l with George \\-a\- 
ker a term of years, Jeremiah lived with Adam Knight and all 
grew 11)) to l)e worthy, influential men. They were of stalwart 
frame and were active and progressive for that period with limited 
advantages. Three of them. Jeremiah, Jeft'erson and Robert in 
Peru were identified as prominent pillars in erecting and maintain- 
ing the Methodist Church there many years. Jeremiah established 
the first ferry below Dixfield village one half mile, in 1828-9. last 
known as Brown's Ferry. 

Thomas F. Hall, the first son of Liberty and Lydia (Foster) 
Hall, 1). Tfeadiield Feb. 13, 1800. He settled in town of Enfield, 
Me., m. and liad sons who were laborers many years ago in Lewiston. 



History of the Towx of Peru. 155 

Jeremiah Hall d. Glencoe, Miim., 1884, m. Sai-aii Knight, d. at 
Atlantic City, Mo., 1888, b. 1808, dau. of Samuel and Olive (Foss) 
Knight of Peru in 1835. Children: — Liberty 2nd, b. July 27, 
1826; Elavil S., b. Aug. 26, 1831; Virgil, b. May 12, 1833; Yirin- 
tha, b. May 6, 1835 ; Yirtaline C, b. Oct. 9, 1837 ; Mary Angeline, 
b. Jan. 15, 1812; Sarah Adelaide, b. July 2, 1844; Elvira, b. Feb. 26, 
1848. Of these children, Liberty m. 1st, Lenora, dau. of Joseph 
and Eliza (Walker) Eicker, Peru, Aug. 1849. Xo issue. Wife 
died Aug. 12, 1852, ae. 24 yrs. Married 2nd at Eochester, X. Y., 
Maria Cobb, June 6, ^854. Their children : — Cliiford Flavil Hall, 
b. May 20, 1855, m. Mar. 1885, Jennie E. Dunn, dau. of Thomas 
Dunn of Moline, 111. Wife d. Mar. 23, 1903, m. 2nd, Feb. 20, 
1905, Agnes A. Legler, dau. of Henry Legler, Valley Falls, Kan. ; 
Chas. G., b. June 25, 1857, drowned July 3, 1867 ; Lillis Lenora, b. 
Apr. 2, 1861, d. Dec. 25, 1863; Harry H. Liberty, b. Oct. 2, 1864, 
is a printer the •'Whitside Sentinel," Morrison, 111. AVeenona, their 
only dau. living m. June 1899, Phil S. Creager. He is telegraphic 
editor of Kansas City Journal. 

Flavil S. Hall, son of elcremiah, did not marry. Wlien about 
twelve years old, he was tending a shingle m.acliine and in the act 
of taking a shingle from the saw, his hand was caught on the saw 
and cut at the wrist nearly off. Dr. C4eo. W. Turner dressed the 
wound and saved the hand. Virgil Hall, born Peru, May 12, 1833, 
son of Jeremiah, m. May 13, 1860, Mary E. Ellis, b. Brighton, N. 
Y., Jan. 6, 1837. Children :—Yirtie Isadore, b. Apr. 20, 1869; 
Carrie S., b. July 1.-). 1877 : Fred B. Y., b. Apr. 7. 1880. Virgil 
Hall died Glencoe, Minn., Feb. 6, 1887. Mary E. Ellis was the 
daughter of Ellis and Caroline Scudder and her mother was Dolly 
Dewe}', aunt of George Dewey. Virtie Isadore m. July 3, 1889., 
June Lambert. Scotch by birth. They liad four childien: — J. 
Leroy, b. Apr. 1891 ; Mary, h. Mar. 2, 1893; Elwin Gerald, b. 1896; 
Erma, b. Dec. 26, 1899. Carrie S. m. a brother of June Lambert, 
a carpenter and a cartoonist. They had four children, as follows : — 
Virgil, b. 1892: Clifford H., b. 1895; Virtie M., b. 1897: Kenneth, 
b. 1906. The widow of Virgil m. 1891, James Phillips, Denver, 
Colorado. Contractor and builder. She d. at her son-in-Jaw's, 
.lune Lambert, in Denver. Funeral Apr. 5. 1908, ae. i)ast <!() yi-;. 
Flavil S. was not strong and rugged after the injury. He died at 
Peru Sept. 24. 1851. 

Elvira Hall m. Mar. 29, 1876 in Glencoe, Minn.. Dr. Geo. W. 
Greaves of Spencer, Iowa. Children: — Arthur Clayton, h. A]ir. 
8, 1877; Mildred A., b. Dec. 23. 1878; Geo. Eaymond. b. Feb. 7, 



156 History of tile Towx of Peru. 

1881: Hubert and Helen, h. Dee. 8, 1882. TJicy were adopted into 
the family of Wni. and Mary Greaves ot Xortlifield, Minn., Dec. 
1882, the mother Elvira Hall Greaves having died at date of tlieir 
birth. (Marriage.) Arthur C. Greaves, m. Apr. 26, 1901, Ethel 
Wyatt. Born to them Oct. 17, 1906, Kenneth Wyatt Greaves; Geo. 
Raymond m. Aug. 31, 1901, Jessie Dobney; Hubert Greaves m. 
1905. Arthur C, Geo. R. and Mildred A. spent most of their 
c-hildliood in Spencer, Iowa, where they graduated from the high 
school. Arthur C. took a civil engineering course in the University 
at Madison, Wis., now^ practicing at Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Mildred 
A. and Geo. E. graduated from Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, la. 
The former is in the Y. W. C. A. work in Detroit, Mich. Geo. R. 
is Supt. of Schools at Wykoff, Minnesota. Hubert and Helen re- 
ceived their literary degrees from Carlton College, Northfield, ]\rinn. 
Hubert is in the Methodist ministery in the Minnesota conference. 
Helen is teaching, principal of schools at Elgin, Minnesota. 

Harry H. Libertv" is a newspaper man. The Whiteside Sen- 
tinel published in Morrison, 111. Clifford Elavil is president of 
Implement Publishing Co., Kansas City, ^lo. These sons are men 
of ability and high ideals. 

Fred B. A". Hall, son of Virgil, m. 1901, Bessie Eberman of 
Denver. Their children :— Eugene, b. Jan. 7, 1903 ; Fred, b. Mar. 
1905. The parent, Fred, is emiployed at the Carbonate Paint Works, 
Denver, and li^ed when this was written just across the way from 
his mother, Mrs. Mary Hall Phillips, Denver. 

Virgil Hall, son of Jeremiah, served his country in War of the 
Rebellion, in an independent Co. of Zouaves. He was in the 
battle of Bull Run when his term of service, three months, ex])ired. 
He returned to Rochester, N. Y. where he drilled another Co. In 
1862 he accepted a position in New York City as head manager of 
Dr. Bly's Manufactory, Artificial Limbs. In the fall of 1868 the 
families of Liberty and Virgil Hall moved from Rochester to Glen- 
coe, Minn. Liberty began farming. Virgil was appointed mail 
agent and carried the mail from Hastings, Minn, to the then ter- 
minus of the H. & D. R. R. Three years after in 1878 he was P. M. 
at Glencoe. which office he held ten years to a day. Daughter Vir- 
tie was his first assistant in the P. 0. before her marriage, followed 
liy Carrie who served till family moved to Denver, fall of 1889. 

Jonathan Hall and Descendants 

Jonathan, the 3d son of Liberty Hall, Sr., b. Aug. 11, 1802 in 
Readfield. m. Dec. 1. 1826, Polly Lunt, h. Apr. 22, 1807, dau. of 



History of the Towx of Peru. 157 

Daniel aud Eliody (Starbird) Lunt of Peru. It is said Mr. Hall 
was in poor health at the time of his marriage, so much so, that the 
Lunt family were not pleased to have their only daughter m. an in- 
valid, but their protests did not avail. Their only child, Jona- 
than, Jr. was b. Feb. 12, 1827. The father, Jonathan, died of 
lingering illness, probably consumption, when the son was about 
six months old. This was the only grandchild of Daniel and 
Ehody Lunt. Widow Polly Hall remarried John M. Deshon, a 
rich merchant at Canton, June 21, 1835. She took the boy Jona- 
than with her to live with Mr. Deshon and he was brought up a 
clerk in his store. Polly Deshon died of child birth, twins neither 
of whom lived. Mar. 13, 1836. Jonathan remained an assistant in 
the store several years. He m. Oct. 29, 1848, Rebecca, the dau. of 
Amos and Hannah (Leavitt) Lindsey of Canton, by occupation, 
"tanner." jSTot long after marriage Jonathan in company with his 
cousin, Liberty Hall, opened a store at Peru Center. Their goods 
in trade were furnished by J. M. Deshon. As neither of the firm 
had any capital, it was found when pay day came, their receipts 
would not balance the account, for goods sold. After awhile Liberty 
Hall withdrew from the firm agreeing to pay a certain sum as his 
portion of the debt due Deshon for goods. After earning the money 
he made good his promise. Jonathan continued store trade in con- 
nection with a trade he had learned, cobbler, a few months and 
closed store. He was a worthy, highly esteemed citizen in town, 
and raised a likely family of children. Great credit is due his wife. 
Jonathan was To^n Clerk in Peru in 1854. His wife, Rebecca, 
was highly esteemed by all. Jonathan died Aug. 4, 1866, ae. 39 
yrs., 6 mos. Children :— Dwight L., b. Nov. 23, 1849 ; John Frank- 
lin, b. Aug. 22, 1851 ; Manderville, b. Oct. 2, 1853 ; Susan, b. Dec. 
30, 1856; Arthur D., b. Oct. 17, 1859; G. Fremont, d. Aug. 16, 
1866, ae. 3 yrs. Inscription on lieadstone: "Went to Join his 
father." Marriage of children : — Dwight Lindsey. Hall, a farmer 
in Wilton, m. Aug. 8, 1870. Mary A., dau. of James M. and Martha 
(Waite) Carter of Peru. Children :— Lillian M., b. Mar. 1, 1872, 
d. Jan. 3. 1895, m. Sylvester Searls; Lindsey J., b. Dec. 28, 1875, 
m. Pearl Ireland, Oct. 20, 1898; Sadie Rebecca, b. May 20. 1874, 
m. Feb. 22, 1900, Cony P. Eaton. Lindsey and Earl are stone cut- 
ters, N". Jay quarry. They ride auto to quarry. Carl H., b. Apr. 
28, 1878, m. Aug. 14, 1900. Alice Mae Miller; Etta M., b. Dec. 7, 
1879, m. Ezra W. Small of Peru Annex, son of Ro.yal Small ; Susie 
E.. 1). June 13, 1882, m. 1st, Dec. 8, 1903. Geo. Goodspeed in Wil- 
ton, m 2nd, Goodyea Amos; Amos Dwiglit, b. Juno 27, 1886, a 



158 HiSTOlJY OF TfTE TOWX OF PfRU. 

barber in Wilton. C'hiklren of Carl H. : — Donald, b. Mar. 19, 
1901; Louise, b. July G, 1902. Cliildren of Etta May Small:— 
Carl, b. May 5, 1898; Lawrence, b. Oct. 6, 1900: Evangeline, b. 
May 29, 1902. 

Jolm Franklin Hall m. June 24, 1880, Eliza Underwood North, 
b. June 4, 1850, dau. of Dr. Joseph H. North of Oakland and 
Eliza Hall Underwood of Fayette. No children. His residence is 
Atlantic City, N. J. Profession, mechanical treatment for the ills 
of man. 

Jolm F. Hall attended the high school at Dixfield in the fall 
of 1869, taught his first school at West Peru the winter following, 
went to Kent's Hill Seminary with his brother-in-law, James 
Holmes, in spring of 1870, thence to Westbrook Seminary Avhere 
he graduated in June, 1873. He taught school in Turner, Mexico 
and Greene and was two years in Bowdoin College in the class of 
1878 where was conferred on him the degree of A. M. He next 
tauglit three years in N. J., two years as principal of Atlantic City 
high school. In 1879 he purchased the Atlantic Times newspaper 
and printing office; later added the Atlantic Democrat, forming 
the "Times-Democrat"; later he purchased the Star Gazette, con- 
solidating all into one weekly. In 1883 he started the daily Even- 
ing T^jiion. He conducted these till 1902 when he sold out. Hp 
was made president of the Board of Education of his city three 
years. This 3'oung man had to rely wholly upon his own resources to 
pay his expenses of schooling. Great honor is due him for over- 
coming obstacles that seem to many insurmountable. 

Manderville Hall m. Oct. 6, 1881, Marcia Varney, b. Winslow, 
mother was Mary B. Garland, b. Parsonsfield, Me. He followed 
the trade of upholsterer in Winthrop a term of years, a first class 
workman. Children: — Alfred V., b. Sept. 27, 1882, graduated at 
Leavitt Institute and is now in college; Marion G., b. Apr. 27, 
1884, took a course at Leavitt School. She is now teaching at At- 
lantic City, N". J.; Alice P., b. June 9, 1886; Mildred, b. June 18, 
1888; Ruth, b. Dec. 16, 1890: John L., b. Mar. 17, 1893; Louise, 
b. Feb. 22, 1898. All these are being educated at the above school. 
This family have, till within two years, resided on the Dean Lunt 
farm in Peru. This and his brother Levi's farm, both comprising 
their father, Daniel Lunt's homestead, descended to the children of 
Jonathan Hall, Jr., the only son and heir of Polly Lunt and the 
only offspring of Daniel and Rhody Lunt. By arrangement be- 
tween the heirs Manderville became owner and occupant of both 
farms. His wife at one time served as supervisor of schools in 




JOHN F. HALL. A. M., 1S7S. Atlantic City, N. J. 



History of thi: Towx of Pkru. 1o9 

Pwu. and was employed as teacher several years up to their removal 
to Turner Center, where at this writing they have charge of the 
Leavitt School boarding house. 

Susau Hall, dau. of Jonathan, Jr., m. Mar. IT, 1881, Siegmund 
H. Xelke. Children :— J. Bcrnardine, b. Mar. 17, 1882 ; Hudson H., 
b. Sept. 25, 1885 ; Rose E., b. x^pr. 21, 1887 ; Herraon S., b. Mar. 29, 
1889. Susan, at this writing, Feb. 1907, is a clerk in a fancy goods 
store, address 765 Dudley St., Dorchester, Mass., where her mother 
now resides. Later she d. there. Mar. 8, 1911 in lier 82nd 3'ear. A 
ffood woman is called to her reward. See obituarv of Mrs. Samuel 
Holmes. Arthur D., m. 1st, Anne Ricker. She d. He m. 2nd, Ella 
Robinson. AVil'e d. Dec. 1908. Child :— Bertha May, b. Aug. 17, 
1881. This man is barber and undertaker at Winthrop Village, Me. 
His dau. and only child is married and lives nearby. He is indus- 
trious and prosperous. He is sexton of the town and has secured 
an appropriation of $200 to repair the old cemeteries and is having 
charge of the work in 1909. 

Erastus Hall and Descendants 

Erastus Hall, b. Mar. 24, 1801, Readfield, Me., d. Dixfield, 
Sept. 26, 1878. He came with his parents and older brothers to 
Dixfield when less than a year old. They settled on a hill farm 
opposite East Peru, overlooking the Androscoggin River and the 
valley below. This son with parents continued on this farm 
through life. Erastus m. Jan. 10, 1829, Sarah Richmond, b. Rum- 
ford, Xov. 24, 1804, the daughter of Israel and Sarah (Bramhall) 
Richmond. Sarah Bramhall came from Phanouth, Mass. Israel 
Richmond was brother to Eliab Richmond of Severy Hill, Dixfield, 
an early settler. Sarah the wife of Erastus Hall, d. Jan. 30, 1890. 
Their children :— Christopher C, b. May 24, 1829, d. July 8, 1854; 
Elbridge (4.. b. Feb. 26, 1832, d. Xov. 9, 1895; Sarah J., b. Mar. 8, 
1834, m. May 24, 1860, Orin Ross, Lynn, Mass. Child :— Mary, d. 
1873 : Xancy X., b. June 10, 1836, m. Aug. 3, 1861, Edward Hall, 
X. H. Child:— Lula, d. ae. 2 yrs; Rosilla R., b. May 27, 1838, m, 
1868, EdAvard Hall. His 2nd wife has five children: — Xancy May, 
Arthur, Stella, Bertha and Dora, all m. and have nice homes; John 
T., b. July 28, 1841, d. 1892, m. Lucy Kenney in Canton. Chil- 
dren born as follows: — ^Columbus L., b. Jan. 8, 1867; Roscoe B., b. 
Oct. 22, 1869; S. Edith, b. Sept. 9, 1871; Herbert E., b. Jnly 18, 
1876; Bessie M., b. Feb. 6. 1877. 



IfiO HlSTOKY OF THE TOWX OF PeKU. 

Cliristoplier C, the first child of Erastus and Sarah Hall in. 
May 24, 1853, Elizabeth Bass, Boston. She lives in ISTewburyport, 
Mass. Christopher C. d. July 8, 1854, ae. 25 yrs. Tlieir dau. 
Christiana C., b. Dixfield, Aug. 12, 1854, lived on home farm with 
grandparents when grown up, and from her we obtain much his- 
torical data of the Hall family. She m. Apr. 15, 1872, Henry H. 
Luce of Industr}^, son of Daniel C. and Lucy Ann (Lake) Luce, 
Industry. They live on the old Jack Marble farm, near what was 
Bro^\^l's Ferry, Dixfield. Their children: — Chas. S., b. 1874, 
keeps a country store, East Peru, m. Dec. 18, 1895, Elda H., ]). »Ian. 
1, 1875, dau. of Seth and Dolly (Peabody) Babb. Two children :— 
Fred Luce, b. May 29, 1902; John Merton, b. Apr. 7, 1905. George 
E., b. 1878, m. Ellis Delano, son of Adelbert in Canton; Josepheue 
N"., b. 1880, m. George Child, named by adoption, being the son of 
Cyrus Knight and Ellen Babb lief ore marriage and dau. of Geo. 
Babb, Peru. George is a good business man. Crossing of blood 
improves original status on the male side. Leon AV., b. 1885, un- 
married. Henry Clifford, b. 1888. 

Obituary on monument to Christopher C. Hall : — 

"A kind husljand, son and brother. 

Dear to us, awliile was giVen; 
AYe've one less tie to bind us here, 

May we meet again in Heaven." 

Leroy E. son of Erastus, b. June 21, 1845, m. Jime 3, 1871, 
Mary W., d. Apr. 18, 1908, dau. of Caleb and Sarah (Bennett) De- 
lano'. Children :— Alice N., b. Oct. 25, 1872, m. Mar. 17, 1899, 
Frank H. Fish of Dixfield; Harris I^., b. 1876, d. June 14, 1888; 
Wm. C, b. Aug. 9, 1878, m. May 24, 1898, Annie E. Bradeen of 
Minot. She d. 1899, m. 2nd. Ella M. Whittemore of Canton, June 
21, 1903, dau. of Edwin and Ida (Smith) AAaiittemore. Chil- 
dren:— Leroy E., b. Aug. 3, 1903, Mary I., b. Apr. 9, 1904; Gerald 
A., b. May 17, 1907. The 4th child of Leroy P.. and Mary W. Hall 
was Sarah G., b. Sept. 25, 1883, not married. Harris A., b. Dec. 
26, 1892; Mary L., b. Apr. 25, 1894; Georgie E., b. Sept. 1895; 
I^athalene G., b. Sept. 28, 1904. Erastus P., son of Erastus, b. 
Dec. 29, 1848, d. Sept. 23, 1875, Dixfield. m. Anna Thornton, F. 
Plantation. They had three children, Winnefred, b. May 21, 1871, 
d. ae. 5 yrs., Mar. 1, 1876; Ella m. Frerl Alerriam, and Eoscoe in 
L3rnn, Mass., unmarried. 



HiSTOUY OF TilE TOAVX OF PeKU. 161 

The Richmond Ancestry 

John Eicluuond, the progenitor of Eliab Eiclmiond was b. in 
1594: aud came to America from Ashton Keynes, Wiltshire, Eng- 
land around 1635. He was one of the purchasers of Taunton, 
Mass. in 1637. He d. there 1664. Had four children. The first 
was John, b. about 162T in England. He m. Abigail Rogers, dau. 
of John of Duxbury, Mass. They were blest with eleven children. 
Abigail the last, was b. Feb. 26, 1679 in JSTewport, E. I. Our lineal 
descendant in this generation was Lieut. Joseph. Lieut. Joseph 
Eichmond and his son, Christopher, were in Canada expedition of 
1761. The fifth child b. Dec. 8, 1663 in Taunton, m. Jan. 26, 
1685, Mary Andrews of Taunton. They have a record of nine 
children. The seventh was Henry. 

Henry Eichmond h. in ]\Iiddlebury, Mass., m. Mehitable Cas- 
well. They had nine children. The third child was Henry b. in 
Tehint. He m. 1st Sarah "Washburn of Bridgewater, Mass., m. 
2nd Submit Witherhead of Plymouth and removed to Hebron, Me. 
where he died. He was in the French and Eevolutionary wars. 
He had eight children. The first, Eliab, b. Plymouth, Apr. 9, 
1751, m. 1770, Hannaii Holmes, b. Feb. 11, 1753 in Plymouth. 
He d. July 31 1831. Wife d. Mar. 19, 1848. He removed from 
Plymouth, Mass. to Hebron, Me. (now Oxford.) He was a farmer, 
noted for his industr}'. It is claimed he was wealthy at his 
death. He w^as a soldier in the war of the Eevolution and engaged 
in several battles. He fell from a load of hay, causing his death 
when 80 yrs. old. His children were Hannah, Euth and Israel, 
and eight more; the last was Ehoda. b. July 1, 1797, m. Jesse 
With am. 

Israel Eichmond, the 3d child of Eliab, was b. Jan. 27, 1779 
and m. 1st, Chloe Crooker, 2nd, Sarah Bromhall of Plymouth. 
Eecapitulation. We have the heads of the generations as fol- 
lows: John Eichmond, John Eichmond, Lieut. Joseph Eichmond, 
Henry Eichmond, Eliab Eichmond, Israel Eichmond, Sarah Eich- 
mond, who m. Erastus Hall, as shown in the history of Halls. 

Elbridge Gerry Hall 

Elbridge Gerry Hall, 2nd son of Erastus, b. DLxfield, d. J^ov. 
9, 1895, m. Sept. 26, 1855, Martha Ann Plumstead, Lynn, Mass., 
dau. of Mathew Plumstead and Martha Crooker, before marriage 
of Bath, Me. Her brothers, Isaiah, Harding and Eobert Crooker 
were among the first ship builders in Bath. Mathew Plumstead 
was high up in degrees of Mason and a Deacon in Cong, church. 



162 History of the Towint of Peru. 

He with family removed from Boston, Mass. to Dixfield and Mexico, 
Me. about 1860. Children b. in Boston:— Emma Etta, Aug. 2, 
1856 ; Ella Frances, b. May 19, 1859. Children b. in Dixfield :— 
Martha Ellen, Feb., 1861. Children b. in Mexico :— George El- 
bridge, b. Jan. 31, 1863; Orin Eoss, b. Mar. 7, 1866. F>amily 
removed to Cambridge, Mass., in 1869, where were b. Carrie 
Fairfield, Nov. 2, 1869; Fred Elbridge, b. Aug. 7, 1874 and Sara 
Brooks, b. Sept. 6, 1876. Was pupil at Normal Art School, Bos- 
ton, d. Apr. 7, 1900. Marriages :— Emma Etta Hall m. Jan. 27, 
1875, A. F. Jewell. Eesidence, Plainville, Conn. Their only child, 
Merton Hall Jewell, was b. Wales, Me., Dec. 13, 1878, d. Oct. 18, 
1881. The parent, A. F. Jewell d. Wales, Me., Mar. 7, 1906. 
Ella Frances Hall m. at Cambridge, Mass., Dec. 25, 1880, F. P. 
Noera. Eesidence, Waterbury, Conn. Children b. Cambridge: — 
Florence Anna ISToera, Jan. 11, 1882, graduate of St. Margrete 
Episcopal School, Wellesley College, 1903. Spent one year in Eu- 
rope devoted to study of art. Ernestine Chester, b. July 11, 1885, 
graduated above school. Church singer Waterbury 3 yrs. Spent 
a year in Europe. Study of music. Frank Elbridge Noera, b. 
Maiden, May 20, 1888, d. June 11, 1889. George B. d. in infancy. 
Edith Frances Emma b. Waterbury, Sept. 30, 1894. Hazel Hall 
Noera b. Waterbury, June 12, 1897. Martha Ellen Hall, U. D., 
m. Louisville, Kan. 1892, Eev. E. B. Smith of Iowa, graduate of 
Bible Training School at Chicago, also of College of Physicians 
and Surgeons, Boston, Mass. Child: — Martha Smith, b. in Kan- 
sas, Westmoreland, Aug. 21, 1891. Mother d. Mar. 16, 1899. 

George Elbridge Hall d. Cambridge Dec. 5, 1874. Orin Eoss 
Hall not m. Eesidence, Providence, B. I. Carrie Fairfield Hall 
m. Sept. 26, 1888, Dr. H. B. Babbitt. Eesidence, Plainville, Conn. 
Fred Elbridge Hall m. 1895, Ellen Chase Call. Eesidence, Provi- 
dence, E. I. Clara Brooks Hall d. Apr. 7, 1900, unmarried. 

Children of Dr. H. B. Babbitt and wife Carrie F. b. in Cam- 
bridge Mar. 24, 1890, Albert Bradford; b. Arlington Hts., Mass., 
ISTov. 8, 1901, Henry Bradford. 

Children of Fred Elbridge and Ellen Chase Hall :— Elbridge 
Hall d. at birth, Oct. 8, 1897. B. in Cambridge Aug. 7, 1901, 
Marzorie Hall; b. in Cambridge Nov. 19, 1902, Evelyn Hall; b. 
at Conimiat, Providence, E. I., Sept. 21, 1904, Nettie F. Hall; b. at 
Providence, E. I. Oct. 20, 1906, Ida Stillman Hall. 

Notes 

Sarah Brooks Hall, dau. of Elbridge Gerry Hall, was a pupil 
of Normal Art School, Boston, d. ae. 23 yrs. Carrie Fairfield, 




FRED ELBRIDGE HALL. Providence. R. L 




HAZEL HALL NOLRA-1S97 







JEREMIAH HALL— LSI) 1-LSS4. 




WIFE OF JEREMIAH HALL— 1808-1888. 




KLORKNCK ANNA :-iOEKA. h. issi'. ( .'a.luate of VVellcslcv. 190:!. 




EDITH FRANCES EMMA ISOEKA. 1S94. 
President of class of Saint Margaret School. 










MIJS. KLLA lRAN(~i:s NOKHA. Wateiburv. Conn 



History of the Town of Peru. 163 

pupil of ISTormal Art School, Boston, before marriage and artist. 
Fred Elbridge Hall and Orin Eoss Hall form the firm of "The Hall 
Cleansing Co." 227 Cranston St., Providence, E. I. doing a large 
business. "P. P. ISToera, Principal of The Noera Mfg. Co. Imple- 
ments and Hardware Specialties," has a N"ational reputation, Wa- 
terbury, Conn. 

Jeremiah Hall 

Jeremiah Hall and family, witli his brothers Eobert L. and 
Liberty and their families, moved from Peru to Concord, JST. H. in 
1853. The two brothers named worked as carpenters for the Con- 
cord Wagon Co. Liberty Hall,. the son of Jeremiah, was employed 
as traveling book agent by a Boston firm in 1851. In that year, 
June 6, he remarried Maria Cobb of Eochester, N. Y., taking his 
wife home to his father's in Concord. At that time Eobert L. 
Hall had lost his 1st wife, Sybil Kyle, and their son, Eobert 
Quiiiiby, born 181:2. Their dau., Mary Jane, b. 1835, m. about 
1851, Jack Crosby. They lived with their father, Eobert L., there 
and afterwards at Pisherville, N". H., after he had m. 2nd, Mary 
A., dau. of James and Mercy (Coolidge) Lunt of Peru on May 31, 
1855. Eobert and Mary were living at West Peru village in 1859 
and 1860. He d. July 9, 1866. They had two children :— Jennie 
M., b. Mar. 9, 1860, d. Jan. 27, 1878 and Ernest, who grew to 
manhood, and with his mother moved to Auburn where she d. 
Oct. 10, 1888. Eobert's first dau. did not return to Maine. 
Liberty, the brother of Jeremiah, returned with family to Peru. 
He tended the grist mill at West Peru in early sixties, d. in Eox- 
bury, ]\Iaine. 

Liberty Hall, son of Jeremiah, moved to Eochester, N". Y., the 
native residence of his wife in 1856. Maria Cobb was the dau. of 
Clideon Cobb of that citv. Liberty established a liome, going into 
1)usiness for himself in connection with D. Appleton of New York 
and continued tliere eleven years. His father and family joined 
them in 1857, excepting Virtaline Copeland wiio tliat year m. 
Stillnian Humphrey of Concord, N". H., afterwards mayor. Their 
children were Irving Hall Humphrey and Mary Lois Humphrey. 
Virtaline Humphrey, b. Oct. 9, 1837, died June 1867. Her sis- 
ter, Sophrona W., unmarried, d. May 1870 in Eochester. Virintha 
C. Hall, an invalid, unmarried, d. Dec. 1868. She was b. May 6, 
1835. Sarah Adelaide Hall b. July 2, 1844, unmarried, d. 1869. 
Mary Angeline Hall m. 1869, Eev. Stephen B. Eand of Holyoke, 
Mass. and sailed in Nov, of that year for Burmah, sent by the 



ItU History op the Towx or Peru. 

American JJoard of Missions from tlie second Baptist Cliurcli of 
Eocliester. TJie}' resided tliere five years, returning to tliis country 
in 1876 on account of ill liealtli, from which he ngver recovered 
able to return to Burmali. Their children b. in Burmah: — Frede- 
ric, who d. there; Sarah Cornelia; Alice d. Aug. 1906. Born in 
America, were Laura Bradford, b. 1876; Wilberforce and Maud. 
The families of Liberty and Virgil Hall, having moved from 
Rochester, JST. Y. to Glencoe, Minn, in the fall of 1868, their 
parents, Jeremiah and Sarah and dau. Elvira, joined them in the 
last part of the year 1870 from Rochester, N. Y. Liberty had 
charge of the interests of D. Appleton in the jSTorthwest for twenty- 
three years, the last few years opening up a drug store and pub- 
lishing the Glencoe Register, the official paper of McLeod County. 
Failing health compelled him to seek a warmer climate. He and 
his wife joined their sons, Clifford and Harry, at Kansas City in 
1887. Jeremiah died at Glencoe in 188i. His wife, Sarah, went 
with family to Kansas City, Mo. and died there in 1888. She was 
buried beside her husband at Glencoe, Minn. He lived 83 years 
and she 80 years. They and their posterity are an honor to the 
family name, an honor to the mothers who gave them birth. The 
highest honors are no less due the mothers of each generation from 
Edward Hall, 1636, down a long line of lineage to the present day. 
Through the Bible injunction: "Train up a child in the way he 
should go, and when he is old he will not depart," these mothers 
have brought up their sons and daughters in the path of morality, 
temperance and chastity. Biographers in general are free to ex- 
toll the noble traits and achievements of the sons of men, but they 
invariably fail to do honor to the weary, watchful mothers who 
give their energies and their life work to nurture, train and equip 
human souls for this life and the life to come. Long live the 
memory of our dear mothers. The climate did not prove beneficial 
to Liberty Hall at Atlantic City and he became so feeble that it 
was thought advisable to take liim to Denver, Col. This was 
done by Dr. Greaves, the husband of Elvira Hall. After two 
weeks he Avas much improved, and at the end of six weeks he felt 
he could return home and to business, and tliat day, the 23d of 
June 1891, wrote his Avife he Avould be back in a few days. He 
walked two miles that day before eleven o'clock, and retired in the 
best spirits. At five minutes to twelve he called his niece, Yirtie, 
dau. of Yirgil, to come quickly. He died soon, June 21, 1891, of 
hemorrhage. He Avas buried at Glencoe beside his son Charley, 
brother Yirg-il, sister Elvira Greaves and father and mother Hall. 



HisTOitY OF THE Towx OF Peku. IGo 

Heury (Harold) Liberty, son of Liberty and Maria (Cobb) Hall 
m. Mar. -i, 1891, Lucile M. Henry in Kansas City. Residence 
now Morrison, 111. Weenona Maria, b. Sept. 8, 1868, m. in Glen- 
coe 2\Iay 18, 1899, Phil S. Creager of Kansas City, Mo., who d. 
May 11, 190G. Their cliildren :— Helen Hall Creager, b. July 10, 
19U0; Mariani Hall Creager, b. Feb. 3, 1901. 

Liberty Hall, Jr. 

J^iberty, Jr., the fifth son m. Abigail Partridge of Paris, 
Me. Wlien a young man he learned the trade of a carpenter and 
went 10 Cuba, where he acquired some knowledge of the Spanish 
language. He was there some little time, working at his trade. 
He returned to Peru, having of his earnings two hundred dollars 
Spanish silver, rare coins to back-woodsmen in those days. Liberty 
visited his old home, George AYalker's. A specimen of the coin 
was exhibited as a curiosity. 'Now it was revealed that ''Uncle 
George" as all the neighbors called him, had a special fondness for 
silver, so he exchanged bank bills for the whole pile. It was ob- 
served ever after, that his tender was paper money. Over forty 
3'ears after, a goodly portion of those coins resumed circulation. 
Liberty Hall was a professor of religion, and a zealous advocate for 
the cause. He was life and power in social meetings, an honest, 
honorable man. Children : — Geo. E., b. m. Pub. Oct. 13, 1867, 
Mary F., dau. of Thomas and Avis Demeritt, Peru: Caroline, m. 
lived in Paris. Liberty died Nov. 18, 1869. AYife, Abigail died 
Mar. 8, 1884-, ae. 78 yrs. Buried in Knight Cemetery, Peru. 

George E. Hall was a soldier in war of 1861. After marriage 
as stated, he moved West. His trade was house carpenter. He 
returned wi tli family to Maiden, Mass. While there he and an- 
other man took down a pest house. Both were stricken down with 
small pox and died. He had six children, all dead but one daughter 
Minnie who works in A\'altham Watcli Factory. ^Irs. Geo. Hall 
d. around 1901. 

This exchange of money occurred when silver was at par and 
Mr. Walkers fancy lead him to choose silver. In our day, 1907, 
we all prefer gold. He was not a miser in any sense, but one of the 
best providers for his family, strictly honest, of good morals and 
exemplary deportment, thoug*!! he was not assured as revealed that 
when this earthly house fails, we have a continuance in The Heaven- 
ly City. 



166 History of the Town of Peru. 

A vein of humor iu the Hall family is revealed in Liberty, the 
father of the nine brothers, and it cropped out in succeeding gen- 
erations. On the home farm in Dixfield, the herd of cattle went to 
drink at the s^Dring where the house was supplied. On one oc- 
casion their only cow was found dead at this spring. Liberty 
wrote in rhyme (his kind of poetry) a memorial of the event. 
The only line at hand reads, '"The lophorned ox, he puslied her in." 
His humor and wit, revealed as rhymster, tided him over all grief 
and regret, incident to loss of cow. The vein is revealed in his 
grandson, Jonathan, Jr. Daniel Hall was collector of taxes in Peru 
in the early fifties. It Avas the custom then to give jail service 
as a substitute for non-payment of poll tax. Happily the heathen 
practice, likewise imprisonment for debt has gone by. This tax- 
payer's income was scanty for the support of his family, causing 
him to be a guest at town's expense of tenement on Paris Hill. 
jSTow the prisoner took it all very kindly and employed his leisure 
hours in writing a phamplet of rhymes. He had a good number 
of copies printed and they found ready buyers. There are calls 
for a reprint but no copy is at hand. One vei-se is in memory. It 
reads : — 

"You may call me a jail bird as much as you please, 
I know my pants are all out at the knees; 

My coat is all ragged and so is my vest ; 

And my hat compares very well with the rest." 

The above reference shows the trend of affairs in every day life. 
People have broader views of humanity, are more generous and for- 
bearing than those of a century ago. PoAorty is respected instead 
of punished. Truly the world doth move. 

Jefferson Hall 

Jefferson Hall, b. Apr. 27, 1807, m. Oct. 13, 18-39. Lucy. dan. 
of Robinson Turner and Lillis Ford of Duxbury, Mass. Cliild : — 
Lydia, 1). July 15, 1830, m. 1852, Franklin Twitchell in Paris. 
Children: — Ella, m. Dr. Fitch in Brownfield. Xo issue. Ernest, 
b. 1858, was single wlien 38 years old. Alvira, h. Mar. 2(), 1832, 
did not m.. died v.'liile a work in Lowell factory ae. sixteen to seven- 
teen years. Robert 2nd b. May 7. 1834, did not m., died Jan. 28, 
1863. ae. 28 years. James G. Birney, b. Apr. 25. 1842. was a 
soldier in Cav., 1st Mc., Civil War. d. about close of war. Lois A., 
1). 1838, did not m., d. Mar. 25, 1862, ae. 24 yrs. The subject of 
the sketch died Mar. 14, 1863. Wife.Lncv d. Jan. 12, 1861. Jef- 



History of tiik Towx oi- Peku. 167 

ferson in. ■2nd, June 1861 (as advised by Luc}' a short time before 
she died) widow Charlotte Chase of Paris. Tlie}- were neighbors 
and well aecjuaintt'd \'ears l)el'ore in Paris. After liis decease, she 
returned to Pans. He was a faiMuer, a good carpenter and an able 
preacher, Methodist. On his head stone, in the old Knight Ceni- 
eter}' is inscril)ed : — 

"Servant of God well done, 

Thy glorious warfare's past, 
The battle fouglit, the race is run, 

And thou art crowned at last.'' 

Elbridge Hall 

Elbridge Hall, the eighth son of Liberty and Lydia Hall, ni. 
a ^[iss Al)bott of Andover. They lived at last ac'counts in Law- 
rence, Mass., had three daughters. iSTames known, Lydia and Doia 
(maiden) living there. The last named withholds information of 
family. 

Elijah Hall and F'arnily 

Elijah Hall. b. Apr. ■>!, 18(M). Jii. Dec. li, IHi^.'i, Mary W., b. 
June 29, 1818. d. Mar. 'i, liJQ-^, dau. of Samuel and Olive (Foss) 
Knight of Peru. Pecord shows he vras chosen one of the jurors in 
Peru in May 1839. It is probable he was located eitlier near his- 
brother Jeremiah at Hall's Feiry, or on the hill at the Samuel 
Knight farm adjoining and AVest of the ferry way land. This 
ferry passed from the Halls one or both to Alden in 1811. Elijah 
Hall removed to Dixfield and subsequently Jeremiah located on the 
Samuel Knight farm continuing till 1853 when he removed to C(ui- 
cord, X. H. Children of Elijah Hall: — George Wallace, b. Sept. 
10, 1836; Marshall, b. Dixfield May 28, 1812. He enlisted in the 
Union Grays at Rochester, IsT. Y. in 1861 and served through the 
war. He m. June 2, 1867, Mary A. Wood in Jersey City and re- 
moved to Wyanette, ]\Iinn. 1870 where he d. leaving an aged mother, 
wife, one dau. and two sons. (Xewspaper slip sent writer without 
date.) Though a staunch Democrat, he was repeatedly honored by 
his Eepublican townsmen and elected chairman of the town Board 
of Supervisors, and once was County Commissioner. He is ex- 
tolled as being a kind hearted and generous man with a host of 
friends. Frank, son of Elijah Hall, d. in Soldiers Home, Mar. 12, 
1910 at Minnehaha, Minn, as result of a fall and fracture of thigh 
bone. Elijah Hall and family reuuned to Minnesoia in early for- 



168 History op the Town of Peru. 

ties, and d. in ^Minneapolis iu tlie seventies. His widow was living 
in Princeton with granddaughter in 1900, mind cloud}-, ae. S2 
years. She visited her brother's family in Peru in winter of 1891- 
95. Her sister, Elnoia, refused her company at tlie Town Fann. 
Visit cut short. 

Robert L. Hall 

Pobert L. Hall, 1). Oct. -iS, ISU, d. July 9, 1866, m. Dec. 183-1, 
1st Sibyl, dau. of W'm. and Rebecca (Walker) Kyle, b. Oct. 13, 
1817. Children :—M'ary Jane, b. Sept. 13, 1835; \Ym. Kyle Hall, 
b. July 13, 1837 ; Eobert Quimby, b. Oct. 2, 1813. 

This man was a house carpenter and served as local preacher of 
Methodist Church, as opportunity offered. He lived in the early 
forties at Peru Centre, and Ijuilt the house afterwards taken down 
to make room for railway in 1892. He had a work shop and shingle 
mill on the Ijank of the river at the mouth of Stony brook, south 
side, where a dam was built below the bridge that serves the high- 
way. A j)enstock conveying water from dam to tub wheel dro^e the 
machinery. This mill paid well at this period when lumber was 
plenty. One fall wheat crop was abundant. He, with a trifle of cost, 
improvised a thresher, using an old beater, and a wooden basket 
sieve for separator. He earned that season threshing, at the mill, 
one hundred dollars. He was successor to his brother Jefferson on 
Albert Holman's farm and living there with second wife, Marj' A., 
when he died. See further incidents in life of Jeremiah Hall. 

Holman Family 

Hiilnian history by David Emery Ilolinan, M. D. of Attleboro, 
Mass. 190!) has eight generations of this family, commencing with 
Solomon, wlio settled in West Newbury, Mass. in 1692-93. One 
of the descendants is Wm. H. Taft, President of the United States. 
Solomon Holman, a ship carpenter, b. probal)ly iu 1671-72, d. May 
7, 1753, m. 1st, Mary Barton of York, :^re., b. 1673, d. Oct. 18, 
1736: m. 2nd, Elizabeth Kelley, widow of John Kelley. Her 
maiden name was Emery, b. about 1610, d. May 8, 1753. All 
buried at West Xcwbuiy in AValnut Grove Cemetery. "One tradi- 
tion says he was born in Wales. If true he was an Englishiiian. 
Wales became a principality of Great Britain 1536. In 1701 he 
and three other churchmen built and donated a sul>stantial meet- 
ing house at Huse Hill for public worship to all brethren of said 
precinct and all persons that doth or may hereafter belong to said 
precinct." Solomon was a member of tin* 2nd Foot Co. of Xew- 



Hi.sToitv or THE Towx of I'kru. 169 

bury under Hugii Marsli Jan. 15, 1710-11. He had 12 children. 
He bought in Sutton, Mass. from 1719 to 1723 nine hundred and 
thirty acres of land for 240 pounds. Solomon, Jr., son of Mary 
Barton Holman was b. Xov. 25, 1697 at Xewbury, d. at Sutton, 
Ap]-. 17, 1785, m. May 23, 1722 at A^ewbury, Mary Brickett, b. Aug. 
13, 1705. Wife died. Solomon, Jr. m. 2nd, Aug. 28, 1729, Mercy 
Waters at Oxford, Mass. She was living 1785. Solomon, Jr. had 

12 children. The first was Solomon 3d. Solomon senior divided 
.among his sons, Edward, Thomas and Solomon, Jr. his lands in 
Sutton, Mass., now Millbury. From 1726 the estate of Solomon, 
Jr. was in West Millbury. From tliere is seen the site of Fort or 
Block House of Indian days of Sutton. The Holmans in colonial 
service were Solomon, Jr., his son Jonathan from private to Col., 
Solomon 3d, John, David, Edward and Stephen. Solomon, Jr. was 
captain during the French and Indian war and Jonathan was major 
in the English Army during same period, also Col. of the 5th Mass. 
Eegt. of Militia during the Eevolution. That he and his Eegt. 
acquitted themselves bravely, may be justly inferred from the fact 
that after the battle of Saratoga, his Regt. was designated to take 
possession of Fort Edward and to hold it until the dispersion of 
Burgoyne's army, which they did. After the surrender of Bur- 
goyne's army,he continued active in raising troops for Coast Alarms, 
and forwarding supplies. After the war. when Shay's rebellion 
rose 1786, he promptly of his own accord raised a body of men and 
marched to Petersham, Mass. to aid in surpressing it. Before the 

13 colonies ratified the Constitution, sectional difficulties of the 
country arose from the lack of a close and authoritative union in 
which all the members could rest and appease their grievances. 
There was strong opposition to what was imagined to be Federal 
tyranny. At Worcester and at Springfield an attempt was made to 
prevent the sitting of the Courts, also the insurgents threatened the 
arsenal at Springfield under the lea*l of Daniel Shay, who had been 
a Capt. in Continental army. The State militia under Gen. Lin- 
coln drove the rebels from Springfield to Petersham where Col. 
Holman ended the rebellion. He was in the Province of Maine in 
Aug. and Sept., 1787, looking for a township that he could buy and 
later he purchased township No. 1, Holmantown, now Dixfield and 
Mexico. He gave 3,000 acres to three of his sons, to wit : Peter, 
Jonathan, Jr. and Ebenezer. Peter settled at the Center, Jonathan, 
Jr.. made his clearing at E. Dixfield and Ebenezer at Dixfield vil- 
lasre. Col. Jonathan was the son of Solomon, Jr. and Mercy Wa- 



170 HiSTOEY OF THE ToWN OF PeRU. 

ters, b. Aiiii. 13, 1732, d. Feb. 25, 181-1, grave at Sutton. He lu. 
Hannah Sibley. 

Col. Jonathan's brother Daniel settled in Livermore, Me. in 
1785. Repeating the genealogy we have Daniel Holman, the son 
of Solomon, Jr. and Mercy (Waters) Holman, b. at Sutton, Mass. 
Sept. 1, 1743, d. at Livermore, Me. Nov. 16, 181'i. He m. Eliza- 
beth Pitts of Winthrop, Me. who d. Feb. '^8, 1831. He traded with 
the Shaker community and so made the acquaintance of his wife. 
He was Corp. in Capt. Daggetfs Kegt. in War of devolution. He 
and Col. Jonathan were two of the original proprietors of Brain- 
tree, Vt. His right was conveyed to the CoJ. and by him to his son, 
Solomon 3d. Children of Daniel :^Melinda, h. Apr. 7, 1788, m. 
Geo. Walker; Dolly, b. Mar. 5, 1790, d. Apr. 1847 in Dix field, m. 
Samuel Park, Jr.; Abner ]). Mar. 5, l^U'l, m. Judith P. Satt'ord; 
Daniel, Jr., b. Feb. 22, 17D4, m. Julia A. Lindsay; Waters, b. May 
19, 1796, d. July 7, 186-3, m. Hannah Gould; Samuel Pitts, b. Oct 
18, 1798, d. 1864, unmarried. Dolly Holman m. Dec. 18, 1819, 
Samuel Park, Jr., b. probably Chesterville, the son of Samuel and 
Polly (Holman) Park, was b. Feb. 5, 179-3, baptized in Baptist 
Church, Oct. 2{], ISOU and died in Peru May 12, 1873. He m. 
-3nd, widow Morse. Children :— Samuel, Jr., -?nd, b. Sept. 9, 1822, 

d. Dec. 14, 1875, m. 1st, , m. '^nd, Jane Rubinson of Oroao, 

Me.; Serapliine, 1). 18-34, d. Aug. 8, 1891, m. James Decker; Mary 
Elizabeth, b., d., m. Cassander Brown iu Cartilage, Me., had a son, 
Dana Brown; Geo. Park, b., d., unmarried. 

Abner HoJman, m. Dec. 30. 18-31, Judith Ball Saiford of Tur- 
ner, b. Sept. 18, 1796 at ^.linot. d. Dec. 18, 1855 at North Liver- 
more. Husband d. there Sept. 5, 1867. He was a farmer, joiner 
and wheelwright. He continued the war lecord of the long line of 
his ancestry, serving as Fifer in War of 181-3. He Iniilt numv 
houses in Maine. He owned and occupied his father's farm at 
North Livermore. Their chihft'en: — Saiah, b. Sept. 18, 18-3"3 ; John 
Henry, b. Oct. -39, 18-34; Otis, b. Dec. 5, 18-39: Martha Jane. b. 
Apj'. 26, 1835, Tjivermore records. Daniel Holman, Jr. was iu the 
War of 1812. He m. Jan. 7, 1823j Julia Ann Lindsay of C*amden, 
of Scotc-h-Trish descent, b. Oct. 4. 1799, d. A])r. 5, 1862. He cauie 
to Milo, Me. Mar. 1823, a fainier, where he d. July 20, 186 t. His 
son Franklin was killed by accident in a mill at Bangor, July 30. 
1858. Col. Jonat'hnu had dau.. Susan Trask Holman, b. Feb. 22, 
1784 at Sutton, who ni. May 10, 1802, Asa Waters. Their dau. 
Susan Holman Waters, b. Apr. 14, 1803. d. Feb. 3 1866. She m. 



History of the Toavx of Peru. 171 

Samuel D. Torrey and their dau., Susan Holman Torrey, was thb 
grandmother of Pres. Taft. 

Peter Holman, son of Col. Jonathan, b. Oct. 16, 1769 at Sut- 
ton, d. Oct. 30, 1829 at Dixfield, m. 1796, ilercy, dan. of Merrill 
Knight, Sr. of Peru. She was b. Falmouth, July 1, 1776, d. Dec. 9, 
1855, at Dixfield w'here they raised a good family of children : — 
Jonathan, b. Oct. 30, 1797, d. May 18, 1886, m. Saphrona Eichard- 
son; Luther b. Aug. 16, 1799, d. Nov. 30, 1880, m. Olive Newton; 
John Jacob, b. June 25, 1801, d. July 22, 1889, m. July 8, 1837, 
Samantha, dau. of Jacob jSTewton; Peter, Jr., b. Feb. 22, 1803, d. 
Sept. 12, 1876, m. Martha P. Newton, Sept. 20, 1827. All the 
Newton women named were daughters of Jacob Newton in Dixfield. 
Merrill Holman, another brother m. Mariam, dau. of Amos Knight 
of Peru. How the plantation of Holmantown was given its present 
name : One Dr. Dix bought the honor of naming the town. He 
promised the proprietors that he would give a library for the 
town. A record of the event was made public in his town, and of 
course he was highly honored. ''The only thing he did was to )jiing 
a few old books to Dixfield in a small trunk; tliey were left some- 
where on Severy Hill. No one knew what became of them." Men- 
tioned in an article read at a Holman reunion. 

Ebenezer Holman, brotlicr of Peter and son ot Col. Jonatiian,, 
m. Sarali Knapp. Their son, Silas L., m. Ellen M. Carlton of 
Gardiner. Their cliildi en : — Frances E., Albert 8., Ida M., George 
C, Eloise, Darwin B., Artluir C, Mattie. Silas L. followed farm- 
ing, located a term of years on Valley Eoad in Dixfield and later 
down the river opposite East Peru. He was an honest, u])!'iglit, in- 
dustrious man, of good ha])its. They laised a likely family of 
children. Peru is proud to adopt one of the sons as a leading citi- 
zen. Aliiert S. Holman, b. Mar. 25, 1853, m. 1877, Lona W.. dau. 
of Leonard Hincs and Annie Keene. l)oth of Turner. Children: — 
Gracia B., b. Aug. 5 187 8, ni. .John S. Russell of Livermore : Fred 
C, b. May 2. 1880; Guy F., b. Oct. 10, 1881: Carl S., h. May Hi. 
1883: Florence M., 1). Aug. 10, 1885, m. Oct. 18, 1808, Harold 
Hodge of Portland: Edith M., b. Dec. 21, 1889: Carroll L.. h. Aug. 
24, 1891. Mr. Holman owns the hill farm overlooking East Vovu 
Till, where Jefferson Hall also I^obert, his brotlier, lived and died. 
■\[r. Holman has been chairman of the Board of Selectmen a term 
of years. I'^nder his guidance there have been great inipi'oxt'inents 
in roads, I)rid2:es and school houses at close of 1910, about Idwii. 



172 History of the Town of Peru. 

Paul Hammon, Jr. 

Paul Hammon, Jr., b. Mass. Mar. 1:3, 17G1, d. Oct. 26, 1851, m. 
Eliza, b. Wayne, dau. of Hezekiah Lovejoy, b. Apr. 14, 1798, d. 
Dec. 16, 1882. Children: — Aziel Lovejoy Hammon, b. Sept. 9, 
1816, m. Emily M. Brown, dau. of Nathan Brown, Oct. 19, 1836; 
■Sarah Frost Hammon, b. Dec. 13 1818, m. Calvin Hopkins, Mar. 
15, 1810. Hannah Erost Hammon, b. Aug. 26, 1808. Oliver 
Chandler, b. Sept. 20, 1821, d. 1863, m. Angelia M. Washburn, b. 
1833, d. 1884; Esther Lufkin, b. June 28, 1823, d. Apr. 16, 1846; 
Eollins Lovejoy, b. Sept. 21, 1825, d. Eeb. 24, 1904; Orin Lake, b. 
Jan. 5, 1828, d. Jan. 18, 1889; Mary Ann, b. Jan. 16, 1830, d. Jan. 
18, 1848; Charles Bean, b. Jan. 28, 1832, m. Angeline Washburn, 
Aug. 31, 1855; Josiah Lake, b. May 12, 1834, d. Nov. 16, 1855; 
Benj. Lovejoy, b. Dec. 5, 1836, d. Nov. 1, 1854; Squire Bishop, b. 
Apr. 18, 1839, m. Patience T. Hammon, the divorced wife of Eol- 
lins Hammon; Joseph Trafton, b. Aug. 26, 1843, d. Apr. 26, 1902, 
-unmarried. Paul Hammon, Sr., m. Feb. 13, 1823, Mary Cobb of 
Eeadfield. He died Sept. 10, 1838. 

Famil}' of Aziel L. and Emih' M. Hammon, dau. of Nathan 
Brown, m. Oct. 19, 1836. Wife d. Sept. 2, 1851. Children:— 
Melvin Benson Hammon, b. Apr. 8, 1837, d. May 3, 1860, m. Pub., 
:Melissa A. Tuttle of Strafford; James Harvey, b. Oct. 14, 1840, d. 
Nov. 15, 1864, in Colorado; Nathan Brown, b. Sept. 17, 1842, d. 
Dec. 7, 1860; Wm. Wallace, b. Aug. 12, 1844, d. Nov. 22, 1860; 
Orin Emerson, b. July 20, 1849, d. Nov. 27, 1860. Aziel L., m. 
2nd, Pub. Feb. 16, 1852, Sarah Maxim of Wayne. He d. Feb. 8, 
1862. Child :— Sarah M., b. Dec. 26, 1859, d. Dec. 4, 1860. 

Oliver Chandler, son of Paul, Sr., m. Pub., Angelia M. Wash- 
burn of Eumford, Aug. 30, 1855. He was b. 1821, d. 1863. Wife 
b. 1833, d. 1884. Children :— Josiah L., b. 1859, d. 1889; Her- 
bert, b., u. m. Employed a term of years on farm with widow 
Hannali Bishop, 1910. Bradford Hammon, while helping take 
down a building in Mexico, a portion of it fell causing his death, 
Nov. 9, 1889. 

Orin L. Hammon, m. Sept. 28, 1851, Lydia E., dau. of Josiah 
Lake. Child: — Mary Ann, b. Jan. 22, 1854, d. of consumption. 
Mar. 22, 1885. Wife d. Mar. 29, 1857. He m. 2nd, Oct. 30, 1857, 
Isabelle B., dau. of Wm. Babb. Children :— Alfred C, b. Sept. 
14, 1859; Aurie E., b. Feb. 23, 1863, m. Alba Atkins; Wallace, m. 
Elva Bishop, son Carroll d. Oct. 20, 1907, ae. 19 yrs.; Emma E., b. 
d. Sept. 24, 1861, ae. 2 mos., 14 days : Florice E., b. d., ae. 33 yrs., 



History or the Towx of Peku. 17S. 

Mar. 6, 1911 in Portland, m. Benj. A. Swasey. Their son, Lyman 
K. 

Rollins L. Hammou, Pvt. Co. I, 1st Eegt., H. A., Me. Vols., m. 
2nd, Mar. 4, 1869, Eoxanna C, dan. of Thomas Lord, divorced. 
Husband d. Feb. 34, 1904. Child :— Lester, b. July 3, 1870. Al- 
fred' C. Hammon, m. May 12, 1883, Lottie B., dau. of Lorenzo D. 
Delano. Children, ages 1907 :— Stanley J., 21 yrs.; Lalia M., 13 
yrs. ; Stewart IST., 10 yrs. EoUins L. Hammon, m. 1st Jan. 1, 
1863, Patience T., dau. of Squire Bishop. Children: — Chas. H.,, 
b. Nov. 36, 1852; Josiah E., b. July 23, 1854, d. Sept. 31, 1863; 
Ellen, b. Feb. 19, 1861, d. young. Wife Patience T. divorced and 
m. 3nd, Squire Bishop Hammon, a brother to her 1st husband. 

Hammon 

Samuel Hammon, brother to Paul, Jr., m. Sept. 30, 1819, Lydia 
Lovejoy, daughter of Jacob, brother of Gardner Lovejoy. Hus- 
band d. Nov. 17, 1854, ae. 56 }ts. Wife d. Apr. 1889, ae. 89' 
yrs., 3 mos. Children: — Elisha Benson, b. Jan. 24, 1830; Maria 
Hammon, b. Aug. 15, 1833, m. Sept. 11, 1845 to Jesse Cushman; 
Samuel, Jr., b. Sept. 11, 1835, d. Nov. 38, 1884; Oilman Thurs- 
ton, b. Dec. 17, 1839; Appollos, b.; Katherine, b. Jan. 37, 1832, 
m. Pub., Feb. 8, 1856, John F. Martin, brother of Xaveri; Ed- 
ward, b. Jan. 17, 1834, m. June 5, 1861, Sarah A. Hammon of E. 
Livermore. Child :— Ida M., d. Sept. 37, 1863, ae. 1 yr., 7 mos., 
15 days. Lydia Augusta, b. Nov. 1, 1835, m. John Andrews; 
Appolos Hammon, b. Nov. 2, 1837; Christopher Lovejoy Ham- 
mon, b. Apr. 33, 1810. Elisha Benson Hammon and wife Sarah 
Ann had son, Joseph Benson, b. Apr. 7, 1845, killed at battle of 
Coal Harbor, ae. 19 yrs, in Co. F, 9th Me., and dau., Henrietta E., 
b. Feb. 38, 1843. 

Sylvanus and Betsey Hammon. Childi^en: — Deborah Ham- 
mon, b. May 7, 1810; Hannah Hammon, b. May 4, 1813; Betsejr 
Hammon, b. Jan. 3, 1816; Charity Hammon, b. Feb. 38, 1820; 
Charles Frost Hammon, b. 1826. All here 1831. Samuel Hammon, 
Jr. m. June 30, 1845, Anna Cushman. He d. Nov. 28, 1884, ae. 59 
yrs., 2 mos., 17 days. She d. Dec. 6, 1883, ae. 58 }ts., 1 mo., 3 days, 
also four infants died. Children: — Ann Louise Hammon, b. May 11, 
1847, d. Mar. 10, 1850 ; Samuel Eugene Hammou, b. Jan. 8, 1850 ; 
George Turner Hammon, b. Feb. 39, 1852; Wm. Gustine Ham- 
mon, b. May 13, 1854; Dodavah S. Hammon. b. July 2, 1857, d. 
Sept. 19, 1901. He m. Del Wyman, dau. of Hod Wyman. Their 
dau. Ethel A., b. Sept. 30, 1884, d. Dec. 16, 1889. Alma B., dau. 



174 History of the Towx of Peru. 

of Samuel, Jr., m. Jvuie 17, 1887, Koscoe S. Tracy, mail carrier, 
West Peru, R. P. D. No. 1. 

John Ingalls 

Histor}'' would be incomplete without mention of quaint John 
Ingalls and family. He m. Pub., Rebecca Davis, both of Peru, 
Aug. 22, 1830. Their residence was on High street, though he 
was in town but a small part of the time. He was employed as 
steward on board the U. S. revenue cutter nearly thirty years. He 
probably would have served longer but for the war of 1861. Records 
show they had five children. Adelaide m. June 39, 1858, Francis 
C. Hawkes in Minot. Patience Ingalls, b. Jan. 20, 1837, m. Cush- 
man L. Hawkes. Residence, Gloucester, Me. John Franklin, b. 
June 3, 1811. Employed in iSTew York, when a young man, as 
clerk in a retail store. Later he set up in trade for himself and 
acquired a good property. He has now been in trade a term of 
years in Boston, Mass. Judith J., b. Apr. 14, 1844. Greene W., 
b. Dec. 20, 1845. He began young a clerk in a New York rubber 
and shoe store. He showed great aptitude in this line and soon 
became a member of the firm. They dealt in bankrupt sale goods 
damaged by fire. It is related he visited a lump sale, took a casual 
inspection, and without even an inventory, purchased the lot. His 
partner came near losing his breath when he was notified to send 
check for ten thousand dollars to cancel the purchase. His reply, 
"For heaven's sake go sIoav !" reveals his astonislunent. The goods 
were retailed for a thousand dollars above cost. This illustrates 
his ability as a snap shot buyer. He m. Residence in Boston. 
Retired. Mr. Ingalls, Sr. was very small in stature. He seemed 
dissatisfied with his size and strove to overcome appearance by 
wearing No. 10 thick boots and a tall stove pipe hat. Coming 
down to the offspring we find the opposite extreme both physical 
and intellectual in business pursuits, particularly of the male 
members. He was b. around Oct. 30, 1798, and d. at Mechanic 
Falls, Mar. 30, 1872. He was 63 years old when the war had fairly 
begun. Age alone excused him from war service, or further ser- 
vice on revenue cutter. His wife, Rebecca, b. 1804, d. at Mechanic 
Falls, their home, Aug. 24, 1885. 

Orin Irish 

Another family of this name. Orin Irish lived on the Capt. 
Peleg Mitchell farm around the late forties. His son, Cephus 
W., b. 1829, m. Sept. 25, 1853, Lovina D., dau. of John Conant in 



HiSTUltY OF THE TOVVN OF FeIIU. 175 

Eoxbur}'. His residence in latter years was on the Eleazer A. Po- 
land farm, now the James Irish place at Worthly Pond. He d. 
there Aug. 16, 1896. Wife b. Nov. 19, 1833, d. May 14, 1876. 
Children : — James E., b. Sept. 26, 1854, m. A'esta E. Weeks. Their 
children: — Lovinia D., Benj. S., Cephas E. This man has been 
a farmer and cream gatherer a term of years. Walter E. Irish, b. 
June 5, 1857, d. Sept. 3, 1897; Lorenzo E., b. m. May 20, 1896, 
Mary H., dau. of Frank Kidder. Farmers on the James Lunt 
farm at East Peru; nicely situated, enterprising and progressive. 
Their children :— Frank E., b. June 11, 1897; Leslie H., b. Nov. 25, 
1898 ; Wilber C, b. Nov. 17, 1902. Mr. Irish is a prominent man 
in town affairs and Moderator of town meetings several years, also 
Master of Rockemeka Grange. 

Freeman Irish 

Freemai^ Irish, b. Buckfield 1806, d. Sept. 11, 1883, m. around 
1828, Almeda Eowe, b. Hebron. He first located in Sumner where 
three children, at least, were born. His occupation, a farmer. 
They were professors of religion, P. B. Church, and he was fa- 
miliarly called Deacon Irish, over forty years in Peru. The title 
was used much of tener than his given name. Children : — Eleanor, 
b. Jan. 14, 1829, m. Hiram Oldham; Samuel F., b. 1835, d. Sept. 
24, 1839; Samuel F., b. Nov. 26, 1838 in Sumner; Charles G., b. 
June 12, 1841; twins, Lorenzo and Alonzo, b. Nov. 11, 1843, the 
latter d. Apr. 27, 1865, single; Eolland C, b. Oct. 20, 1845; Al- 
meda, b. Sept. 7, 18f8, m. Benj. C. Foster; Carroll, b. June 6, 
1850, d. Dec. 13, 1862; Benj. E., b. 

Samuel F. Irish enlisted a Pvt., Co. H, 10th Me., Oct. 1, 1861, 
discharged a Corp., May 4, 1863. He m. May 24, 1868, Betsey J., 
dau. of Thomas A. Goding. Their final and peiTnanent location 
as farmers was on the Ira Womiell farm at East Peru Yill. Mr. 
Irish was unable to do much severe manual labor by reason of 
army disability "chills and fever" which rendered him more in- 
valid each year, till his death, Dec. 26, 1894. His army service of 
1 yr., 7 mos., evidently sliortened his life twenty years. He was a 
good soldier and one of four members of his father's family in the 
war of 1861. Their motlier, Almeda, d. Apr. 16, 1884, ae. 76 yrs., 
26 days. Children :— Alice J., b. Nov. 20, 1871, m. Horace Clark; 
Ethel T., m. Arthur L. Harlow; Emerson A., m. Dec. 20, 1909, 
Alice M. Kilbreth, dau. of Frank Kilbreth of Livermore. They 
live with his mother and are successors on the home farm at East 



176 History of the Towx of Peru. 

Peru, enterprising, prosperous farmers. Oliarles Greenwood Irish 
m. Abbie Iv. Morrill, sister to Job E. Morrill. They resided on 
the farm with Mr. Morrill on the hill range south of Dickvale Yill. 
Mr. Irish d. there Oct. 14, 1896, leaving a dau., Jennie P., who m, 
Nov. 30, 1907, Elbridge G. Child. 

Benjamin E. Irish m. Mary Jane Field, dau. of Benj. Fletcher, 
soldier of 1812 war. Their children :— Martha M., b. July 3, 
1866; Fletcher B., b. Dec. 1, 1868; Ansley A., b. Aug. 7 1870. Mrs. 
Irish died several years ago in Mass. where Mr. Irish resided last 
accounts. He was a Pvt., Co. H, 10th Me. with his brother. The 
twins, Lorenzo and Alonzo, were both Pvts in Co. A, 9th ]\Iaine. 
Alonzo d. of disease, Apr. 27, 1861, Lorenzo aged 25 years, m, 
Oct. 17, 1868, Evaline, aged 23 yrs., dau. of Xathaniel and Co- 
lumbia Knight. Eesidence, Eed Bluff, Cal. Eolland C, m. Feb. 
16, 1869, Julia I. Bishop. Their babe died. Mr. Irish d. Sept.. 
1892. Wife d. 1896. 

Nathaniel Jackson 

Nathaniel Jackson first appears on Town Eecord July 6, 1835, 
a member of a committee to solicit extension of Bucktield Branch 
E. E. It is a tradition of his descendants that he was of French- 
Irish descent. As mentioned on another page he was successor of 
Henry Wragg on the Merrill Knight senior farm. He was an in- 
dustrious, hard working farmer. We are unable to learn about his 
wife after so many years. The heads of this family and the young- 
est children removed to Belfast in early 1840, he having sold his 
farm to Nathan Walker of Peru. Children : — Seth W. Jackson, b. 
Aug. 8, 1811; Lucy, b. around 1816; Luther, b. 1820; Sally M.; 
Eunice; Silva. Marriages: — Seth W. m. June 16, 1833, Elnora, 
b. Jan. 31, 1816, dau. of Eev. Wm. Woodsum. Mr. Jackson and 
wife were farmers on the Daniel W. Piper farm. They raised a 
likely family of ten children, all girls. Fannie, b. June 13, 1835, 
m. Lorenzo D. Delano; Sarah Melissa, b. Apr. 2, 1838, m. Wm. 
P. Brackett, Jr. She was a successful school teacher before mar- 
rage. Pamelia, b. Feb. 20, 1841, d. Mar. 26, 1842 ; Esther W., b. 
Aug. 25, 1843, d. July 9, 1859; Elnora, b. Nov. 7, 1846, m. Milo 
Morrill; Olive A., b. June 13, 1849, m. Jeremiah Brackett; Ara- 
vesta, b. Jan. 23, 1852, m. Eevilla Knight; Alma (twin,) b. Jan. 
23, 1852, m. Eomanzo Burgess; Ida May, b. June 23, 1855, m. Dex- 
ter Lord; Eose Marion, b. Nov. 8, 1860. m. Charles Martin. Mr. 
Jackson enlisted in army service, Co. C, 19th Eegt., Me. Vols., 



History of the Town^ of Fvmxj. 177 

when over fifty years old. JIad sickness in service, and while on 
furlongh home he died, Oct. 1, 1861. His widow survived, draw- 
ing a 2)ension many years. She d. Jnne 30, 1905. 

Lnther b. around 1820. "When a young man he was a noted 
wrestler and boxer. He was the most agile, springy, muscular and 
powerful athlete that ever lived in Peru. He would stand on one 
foot and kick the ceiling over his head eight feet high. Lying 
flat on his chest with arms and legs extended right and left, he 
would spring, raising his entire length from the floor and strike 
his hands and feet together three times before his return to floor. 
And yet he failed to j^rofit much from his endo\\anent. His sur- 
plus of energy and nerve power seemed to avail but little in army 
service. He sickened and died from common army complaints, 
while his much weaker comrades at enlistment lived to return. To 
what shall we attribute his failure? Luther Jackson m. 1st, Mary 
H. Wife d. Jan. 14, 1855, ae. 34 yrs. Their children :— Willis, 
when last kno^Ti was living in Mass. ; Lauraette Jackson, born June 
12, 1842. m. Dr. L. H. Maxim, a practicing physician at West. 
Peru in the late fifties and early sixties. AVife d. in less than a 
year or there about, after marriage. Phebe Ellen or Ellen P., b. 
July 11, 1844, m. Pub., Feb. 27, 1862, Geo. A. Maxim of Wayne. 
Mary E., b. N"ov. 21, 1846. Andrew, b. May 3, 1849. AVas a 
soldier, d. at Togus. Luther H., b. Aug. 23, 1851. Went to. 
Canada. Probably the above Willis was the next and last child. 
Mr. Jackson m. 2nd, Apr. 8, 1856, Julia M., dau. of AA^m. P. 
Brackett. Their children were, Helen M., b. Dec. 18, 185(), d. 
Apr. 16, 1864; Hattie j\r., b. Apr. 8, 1858; Chas. M., b. Nov. 19, 
1862, d. about a year and a half old. Luther Jackson was in Co. 
I, 29th Me. under Gen. Banks during Eed Eiver campaign. He 
was very feeble from chronic diarrhoea when put on boat for Xew 
Orleans, where he was to have final discharge. He d. on the pas- 
sage, May 15, 1864 and was consigned to the "Father of Waters," 
his burial. His widow remarried Pub., Dec. 16, 1865, Edmund 
C. Bowker, ex-soldier, of Sumner. 

Jenne Family 

Joseph H. Jenne b. Aug. 15, 1782 m. June 10. 1804, Joanna 
Gibbs, b. Jan. 20 1780, d. May 8, 1816. Their children :—Seth, 
b. March 31, 1805; Joseph H. Jr., b. Sept. 6, 1806; Emeline A., 
b. Mar. 20, 1809, d. Oct. 1810; Isaac, b. Oct. 26, 1810; John E., 
b. May 16, 1812. Mr. Jenne's 3nd wife was Betsey Tupper be- 



178 History of the Town or Peru. 

fore marriage. This family were residents of Fairhaven, Mass. in 
1819 wlien Mr. Jenne and his sons, except John E. the youngest, 
came to Peru and settled near West YilL, now the Barlow Austin 
place. His wife Betsey and son John E. remained in Mass. In 
1832 Mr. Jenne returned to Mass. for the son, then 10 years old, 
and wife Betsey continued there with relatives and died there. 
They came to Hallowell on sailing vessel and from there walked 
to West Peru. After the death of Avife Betsey Mr. Jenne m. about 
1826, Zerviah Bonney. They continued here till about 1853, 
when they removed to Eoxbury, Me. where wife d. near the close of 
the year 1863 and he d. Jan. 21, 1864. The ancestors of this 
family in i^ew England were John and Sarah Jenne, who came 
from England to Plymouth, Mass. in 1621. Mr. Jenne was a man 
of high ideals and a deep thinker, a zealous advocate against the 
use of spiritous liquors and he participated in all moral reforms. 
Both he and his son John E. were instrumental in shaping town 
affairs during their career. 

Town Meeting Apr. 16, 1821, Art. 7, James H. Withington, 
Eobinson Turner, Sr. and Joseph H. Jenne were chosen a com- 
mittee to settle accounts. The Selectmen in 1822 were Joseph H. 
Jenne, Josiah Curtis and ISTathan Walker. In 1825 Joseph H. 
Jenne, John Ellis and Moses Lufkin were the S. School Com. Mr. 
Jenne filled other important offices as the years rolled on. He be- 
came an agricultural writer of some note and contributed a series 
of articles to the Maine Farmer when Ezekiel Holmes was editor. 
Mr. Holmes judging him to be a model farmer, desired to make his 
acquaintance, and being up at Dixfield Vill. he rode over to West 
Peru with Mr. Benj. Lovejoy who was going past Mr. Jenne's resi- 
dence on his way home. Passing through the village a little way 
on, Mr. Lovejoy pointed out the house and barn of Mr. Jenne. Mr. 
Holmes took a sweeping glance of the premises and asked Mr. 
Lovejoy to stop there, and let him get out, saying he ''guessed he 
would not call, he would go back to Dixfield" and back he went. 
Perhaps the conclusion was that Mr. Jenne did his best farming 
on paper. In that line he was able. He was then over 60 years 
old and breaking down physically. The dilapidated condition of 
buildings as Mr. Holmes saw them was due to poverty. And 
though Mr. Jenne lost the confidence and respect of his intending 
visitor, it is to his credit that he limited the style and finish of 
buildings to his ready means, and did not seek to make a splendid 
show with some other man's money. Son Seth showed an aptitude 
for study, and was a man of promise. He served as school teacher 



History of the Town of Peru. 179 

and was reputed a good scholar. March meeting, 1827, voted 
and chose Seth Jenne, John Ellis and Moses Lufkin, S. S. Com. 
Mr. Jenne was also a member of School Com. in 1828. He next 
fitted for the ministry. He entered service and preached at one 
time in the Eastern part of Maine where he married and had one 
son. Writer is informed by a near relative that domestic troubles 
arose between Mr. Jenne and his wife which led to estrangement 
and the breaking up of the family, the severing of ties so dear to 
him. Alas ! the strain was too gi-eat for the mental equipment of 
Mr. Jenne. Derangement followed. Record shows that Apr. 3, 
1837 Mr. Jenne was disposed of as one of the town's poor. But 
his labor was sufficient generally to support him to near close of 
life. It is not known that his wife or son ever came to Peru. "We 
are unable to learn more of them. 'Mr. Jenne d. on Town Farm, 
Mar. 15, 1907. 

Joseph H. Jenne, Jr., was a clergyman of M. E. Church and 
a member of the Maine Conference. He preached at one time at 
Bangor. He removed to Wisconsin about 1852. When last heard 
from he was preaching as a member of the Wisconsin Conference 
of the M. E. Church, in the city of Janesville. Isaac m. Lucretia 
Mitchell May 8, 1839. They settled in Eoxbury, Me. Both are 
dead. Several of their children d. young. Their dau., Calista, m. 
a Mr. Mclnnis. She d. several years ago leaving children. The 
children of Isaac yet living in Eoxbury are Albert, Herbert and 
Betsey, and Henry wlio resides at South Paris. John E. Jenne 
suffered from dyspepsia many years, directly after coming to 
Maine. He went to live with a Mr. Elliott in liumford and at 
the age of fifteen joined the Methodist Church there, and continued 
a member tlirough life. His name first appears on town record in 
1813 when elected to the office of Town Clerk, continuing till 1850. 
He m. Jan. 1, 1850, Phebe Knight, b. Sept. 28,, 1815 in Rumford, 
the dau. of Daniel Knight and Betsey Wheeler and she the dau. 
of Jeremiah and Keziah Wheeler of Concord, ]N". H. Their dau., 
Laura Frances Jenne, was b. Mar. 26, 185-4-. Since writing the 
foregoing we learn that John E. returned from Rumford to West 
Peru about 1832. He soon after went to Lexington, Mass. and 
two years later to Winthrop, Me., where he learned the trade of 
carpenter and furniture maker, working two years for a Mr. Mor- 
rill. He returned and set up business in the same lines at West 
Peru in 1837. Later he added the manufacture of doors, sash, 
blinds and afterwards, coffins and caskets. Also did house paint- 
ing. Mr. Jenne made use of water power at hand. He in com- 



180 IIlSTOEY OF THE ToAA'X OF PeRLT. 

pa:i\' with Demus Bisliop l)uilt in the eai'l}' fifties, a sawmill, long 
lumber, a shingle and clapboard mill, lie occupying the second 
story with the manufacture of his lines of goods. Mr. Josiah Hall 
found the mill occupied as stated when he came to Peru in 1855, 
and jS^oah Hall recollects Mr. Bishop and Mr. Jenne were running 
their mill when he first came to West Peru in the fall of 1853, 
Mr. Jenne was a useful man in many lines. He taught school in 
Levi Ludden's barn before a school house was built at West Peru. 
In early manhood he frequently attended funerals where the ser- 
vices of a clergyman could not be secured, or the people were too 
poor to pay for the service, often walking miles in snow and mud 
and inclement weather to serve the people, mthout pay. He was 
steward and class leader also Supt. of Sabbath School at West 
Peru over 35 years, and leader of the choir much of the time. He 
was a quite constant attendant and a supporter of church service 
at the center of the town a score and a half years. He was J. P. 
many years. He d. at West Peru June 14, 1873. His wife d. 
while living with their dan. in Hartford, June 7, 1897. Laura F., 
their only child, attended schools of Peru and Dixfield, also the 
Seminary at Kent's Hill. Did not graduate. She began teach- 
ing district schools early and became very popular. Between 1869 
and 1900, she taught 8'? schools, covering every district from East 
Sumner to Pd. Falls. She served as supervisor of schools in 
Hartford four years. Laura F. Jenne m. 1st, Dec. 22, 1876, Axel 
W. Fogg, b. Hartford, May 15, 1851, son of Nathaniel and Mary 
Fogg. No issue. They lived at W. Peru till Nov. 1882 and re- 
moved to Hartford. Mr. Fogg d. there Dec. 9, 1895. Mrs. Fogg 
remarried James Irish, widowed, Dec. 2, 1897 at Hartford Center. 
Both are still living there, 1911. 

Charles Johnson 

Family of Charles K. and Lydia K. Johnson. Farmers. Hus- 
band d. Jan. 25, 1868, ae. 73 yrs. Wife d. June 25, 186G, ae. 65 
yrs. Children: — Isaac, went to Mechanicsville, Iowa. Occupa- 
tion, farmer and ice dealer. Geo. Iv. m. Dec. 16, 1860, Mary Eliza 
Niles. He enlisted Co. C, 23d Me., Sept. 10, 1862, and was dis- 
charged July 15, 1863. He is a pensioner for disability con- 
tracted in the service. Residence, Canton. Edward m. a Lothrop 
of Jay. He d. at Dickvale, 1882. Jose]jh C. m. Sept. 14. 1862, 
Susan Chenery, a sister of David L. Chenery of Dickvale. Cynthia 
Johnson m. Ebenezer I\. Ho])kins. Joseph C. d., grave at Peru. 




Motor Boating'. Wovthly Tond. 




»™^4^ '-JS'- _ ->" 




Camp Wortlily. Wortlily Pond. 



HiSTOKY OF THE TOWX OF PeKU. 181 

This laniily came i'roin Andover, Mas?., 181G, where isaae aud 
Cyiitliia were born. Tliey are not related to A. M. Johnson at 
Wortlily Pond. ^Iv. Johnson's residence was on IIi^u:h street in 
Knox neighborliood. 

Enoch Jaques 

Enoch iiinl wife. Lucy Jaques. Tliis was the only clergyman 
called in ;i !e capacity by Peru to minister to the people. 

It was voted in Town Meeting soon after incorporation to call a 
clergyman to settle on the ministerial lands or lot required by law 
to be set .apart for that purjDose. Town voted to give Eev. Jaques 
one half of said lot and the use of the rest for his services so long 
as he should continue. In 1833 he was chosen chairman of Se- 
lectmen. A committee was chosen to settle with him and his claim 
on the ministerial iaiul. He left town probably 18?1. 

Albert M. Johnson 

Albert M. Johnson on the west shore of AVorthly Pond is one 
of Peru's ever busy house carpenters and progressive farmers. His 
farm is the old Sylvanus Poland liomestead. He has made great 
improvements here the last fifteen years and still had time to help 
build several structures at Ed. Falls. He m. Mary G. Goode- 
now. Children: — Grace L., m. around 1899, Geo. Hutchins, b. 
Monmouth, formerly station agent. East Peru ; Fred Johnson is 
barber at Lewiston; Edith M. ; William: Lillian, age 22, m. Pub., 
Feb. 8, 1905, Willard F. Hatch, age 20, son of Jolm Hatch, 
Kingston : Guy E. 

!^Ir. Johnson's brother was in tlie Civil AYar. After liis death 
his mother received a pension till she remarried an ex-sohlier 
changing her name to Elamlin. who was a pensioner. They lived 
in Aul)ui'n where husband died. After his death her first pension 
was renewed. She has resided, a pensioner, with son Albert a 
term of years. She is a Christian. Mr. Johnson keeps in touch 
over the phone with the business centers and many s,ecluded homes. 
In the cut "Motor Boating, "Worthly Pond" the larger, boat is near- 
ing the shore landing at Johnson farm. 

Amos Kyle 

Amos Kyle lived on side hill above Bradford Wyman place, m. 
April 17, 1815, Charity, dau. of Wm. Walker, Sr. Children:— 
Eleanor, b. Oct. 15, 1815, m. Mar. IG, 1834. Moses True: Charity, 



182 History of the Tow.v of Peru. 

b. Dec. 18, 1817, m. April 5, 184-2, AVni. Cooper; Charles Walker, 
b. Aug. 27, 1820, m. 1st, Loiiina Soper of Livemiore, Pub., July 
3, 1843 ; Amos M., b. Mar. 10, 1822, m. 1st, Sarah Bachelder, 2nd, 
Nelly Brown of Monmouth; AYinslow S., b. Aug. 28, 1824, m. 
Emily Jones; Mary, b. Pel). 2, 1829, m. Pub., N'ov. 8, 1856, Daniel 
Bachelder of Chesterville ; Timothy, b. Dixfield, Aug. 21, 1834, m. 
Emily Wormell; Sarah Elizabeth, b. Sept. 28, 1837, m. Benjamin 
House; Julia Alma, b. July 22, 1839. Family of Amos and Sarah 
G. Kyle, 1st wife d. 1866. Children : — Warren 0., b. 1855, in 
Lowell, Mass. ; Oscar N"., b. May 4, 1848, shot himself in 1889, 
insane; Osroe B. b. Nov. 8, 1849, d. May 26, 1852; Leona C, b. 
Aug. 10, 1852. In Asylum, Augusta, Me. Amos M. came to 
Monmouth in 1884 with 2nd wife. His mental disorder and that 
of children was inherited from grandmother, Sibyl Eogers. She 
revealed same in last years of her life. 

Family of iVmos M. Ivyle and ISTellie A., 2nd wife, dau. of Wni. 
Brown, in Monmouth, m. around 1868. Children: — Bertha C, b. 
1870, librarian, Lowell, Mass.; Mabel E., b. 1875, m. Allen Smith. 
Their children :— Dorothy M., b. 1901; Caroll 0., b. 1902 and 
Gladys E., b. July 1904. Eesidence, Binghamton, N. Y. Amos M. 
d. Lowell, Mass., Jan. 15, 1908. Insane 20 years. Cause of death, 
la grippe. Child of Winslow S. and Emily Kyle: — Aroline Flavilla, 
b. Aug. 10, 1850. Wm., brother of Amos Kyle, m. Eebecca, dau. 
of Wm. Walker, Sr., b. Oct. 9, 1795, d. Mar. 1, 1841 in Eumford. 
Children :—Wm. M., b. Nov. 10, 1815; Sybille, b. Oct. 13. 1817: 
Mary, b. Oct. 28, 1819. Family moved to Kumford aronnd IS 10. 

John Knight 

Of the founders of Peru, four separate races of Knight families 
have representative posterity. Tlio fathers of each race were Mer- 
rill Sr., Amos, Samuel and Jolin T. The father of the 5th race 
here at date of incorporation was Henry. This race has dropped 
out. John T. d. Dec. 18. 1866, ae. 85 yrs.. 8 mos. His wife 
Nanry d. Nov. 11, 1840, ae. 58 yrs., 4 mos. Their children:— 
Jeremiah, b. May 11. 1803; Enoch, b. Apr. 10, 1807, d. May 18, 
1818; Hiram, 1). Fol). 17. 1809, d. Nov. 5, 1810; Elln-idge, b. Jan. 
19, 1811; Hiram, b. Jan. 27, 1814; Lorenzo, b. May 16, 1817; 
Nancy Berry, b. A])r. 29. 1822. 

Jeremiah Kniglit came from Westbrook, m. May 10, 1832, 
Sarah M. Brock of Buckficld, b. Oct. 2, 1809, a sister of Wm. Brock, 
an carlv resident of Peru. He d. Dec. 18. 1867. Wife d. Nov. 18, 



History of tjie Towx of Ffeu. 183 

1883. Their children : — Cordelia Ann, b. Apr. 'iS, 183 i, m. Ezra 
AVhitney. Residence, Eockland, Me. She d. 190:2. l\ebecca F., 
b. Feb. 10, 1836, ni. Wni. Lewis in Mass. Florilla, b. Aug. 20, 
1837, m. 1st, Gould in Lewiston. He d., m. 2ud, John Kenneson 
in liockland. All died. Orisa, b. June 24:, 1839, in. at Topting, 111. 
He d. 190i. She is living, 1908. Senora, b. Dec. 11, 1811, m. 
Samuel Prescott in Auburn, Me. Emma A., b. Aug. 23, 1813, m. 
1860, Elbridge G. Austin, a native resident of Peru. Mrs. Austin 
is a Christian woman, highly esteemed by alL Mr. Austin has 
served the public long and well in the manufacture of lumber, 
custom and privxite, in developing the water j^ower and promoting 
the growth of West Peru, adding to the property value of the town. 
Elbridge G. Austin and son, Arno J., began mill operation at West 
Peru Yill. around 1892. In connection with their saw, sliingie 
and planing mill, they bought of farmers lumber in the log, and 
manufactured for market at different periods dowell stock, die 
blocks, brush blocks and clothes pins. They have built several 
dwelling houses in the village. They add to the long list of public 
benefactors of old Peru. Hiram AUjert, b. May 3, 18-15, m. in 
liockland, Arzella Countz. W'iic d. in 18i8. Myra, b. Mar. 22, 

1847, m. Poyal Small. Xaney Jane, b. Aug. 26, 1819, m. 1st. 

Libby, wlio d. in 2 yrs., m. 2nd, 1902, John AVyeth, home in Flori- 
da. He d. 1906. Poscoe Edwin, b. Feb. 10, 1853, m. Hatlie, dau. 
of Joshua Mitchell of Dixfield. Son, Elton M., living with parents 
in Rumford. 

Lorenzo Knight, brother of Jeremiah, m. 1847, Relief E. Durell 
of Otisfield, dau. of Wm. Durell. Her mother was Scribner. The 
two biothers were early settlers on Burgess Hill in Peru. Chil- 
dren :— Augusta, b. Dec. 1818, d. Jan. 23, 1865; Hosan P., b. Nov. 
20. 1851; Mary E.. b. .Alar. 31, 1851, m. John A. Greenleaf, com 
tractor and Imilder. Auburn; Elbi'idge G.. b. Sept. 1, 1862, d. May 
19, 1881. I^orenzo, the })arent. d. July 16, 1882, ae. past 65 yrs. 
His widov." is still hale and active, over 80 years old. Mrs. Rosan 
P. Demerritt has the old family Bible of her grandfathei', Joim T. 
Knight. She relates that he took great comfort in reading daily 
the sacred pages; that each time reading revealed to him a new 
light and greater joy from the same l)ook and chapters. Truly 
he was an old time Christian. He accomplished life's mission and 
knew of a truth that there was laid up for him a crown of righteous- 
ness, and not for him only l)iit for all who will acee})! (*hi-ist and do 
his biddinsf. 



18i History of the Towx of Pkru. 

, Lucius Keene 

Lucius Keene b. in Sumner, May 37, ISKi, d. in Peru Dec. 2G. 
1896, was the son of Melzer, b. Pembrook, Mass. and Annie Herse)^ 
b. Minot. Tic ]ii. Abby P., dan of Josepli Rowe and Elenor Irish 
of Hebron. Wife b. Aug-. 37, 1833, d. Tliis family lived many 
years till close of life on Lovejoy Hill. Oliildi-en: — Hersey, b. 
Apr. 18, 1856, d. Mar. 13, 1875; Ellen, b. July 30, 1811, m. Joseph 
Lovejoy. She was a good Christian. Louise PI, d. Sept. 11, 1869, 
ac. 11 mos. Mary Jane, m. Pub., Apr. 10, 1861, Edson H. Millilcin 
of Pownal. Their children d., two infants. Annie Keene m. Ed- 
gar AVilliams. Mr. Keene was a jovial wide awake man, full of 
fun and repartee, a hail fellow well met. He liked to try titles 
witli neighbors to see who could raise the biggest pig. He got one 
up ti) seven Imndred pounds and said he would not raise another 
tliat l)ig. j\fr. Keene was an lioiiest man. 

• Kidder 

( harles IT. Kidder b. in Mexico July 6, 1839, the son of 
Jacob and Sabrina Kidder d. in Peru Mar. 31, 1909. He was en- 
rolled a Pvt., Co. D, 13tii Reg., Me. Vols., Oct. 11. 1861 to serve 
3 yi's. and discharged, Portland, Dec. 1, 1861. Ho m. j\Iay 39, 
1868, Matilda J., dau. of Harrison and Serena White in Dixfield, 
b. Sept. 31, 1811. He located at Dixfield Center, a farmer and 
butclier. He and family were industrious and prospei-ous. Chil- 
<lren:— Cora M., b. Jan. 10, 1869, m. Geo. Litchfield, Jan. 9, 1892; 
Irving C, b. Apr. 16, 1873 : Lena C, b. June 3, 1871, m. Melville T. 
Deshon, a farmer at East- Peru: Alvah B.. b. Apr. 3, 1878, d. Feb. 
21, 1883: Wilmer B., b. xVug. 'iS, 1883: VAlwl B. Ividder, b. May 
"25, 1881 in T^ixfield. Mr. Kidder and family removed to T^eru 
-Center in 1901. having purcliased the l^lisha S. Wyman farm, 
"then owned by Mrs. Eoscoe Ivoberts then a widow. Mr. Ividder 
lived here and passed over March 31, 1909. His widow is owner of 
-the ]>remises in fall of 1910. Miss Ethel B. m. in Boston July 33, 
1910, Pliney M. Mower, a bookkeeper in AVinchendon, Mass., 
W'here they will reside. Irving C. Kidder m. Xov. 31, 1898, 
Hattie B., dau. of Horace Holman of Dixfield. Their children:— 
Ethlyn M., Kenneth I., Alvah J., d. Sept. 8, 1900, ae. 1 yr., Millard. 
Wilmer B. Ividder m. Nov. 39. 1906, ^Tina L.. dau. of Howard Tur- 
ner. Residence, Peru Center. House built by Greenlief Hods- 
-<lon. He and Irving C. are the firm in trade here several years, 
feed mill and store. Children :— Donald AV., b. .Inne 10. 1907; 
■dan. b.. A|)i-. 7, 1909. 



HisTOKY OF THii: Towx OP Peku. 185 

Knight 

kSanmel, one oi' tu'o brothers, who came from Euglaud, d. Feb. 
^0, 1859, m. Olive Foss in Massachusetts, who in after j^ears returned 
to Mass., her native place. Grave of Samuel in Ivnight Cemetery, 
a rough stone Avith S. K. scratched across as marlcer. Children:- — 
Lydia. b. Sept. 2, 1806; Sarah, h. June 18, 1808, m. Jeremiah Hall; 
Eliza, b. May 19, 1810, d. Oct. 2, 1812; Daniel, b. May 19, 1812, d. 
June 20, 1812; Maurice, b. June 18. 1813; Elmore, b. Feb. 12, 
1815, m. Mary Ann Babb; Mary W., b. June 29, 1818, m. Dec. 6, 
1835, Elijali Hall; Jael Angeline, b. Dec. 25, 1821, died young; 
Phoebe L., b. Mar. 6, 1822, m. Dec. 2, 1839, Joshua Bicker; Daniel, 
b. Sept. 8, 1824, last known in Cal., 1845-47; Cyrus, b. Dec. 29, 
1826, m. Ellen Babb, name changed to Ella AV. The last that is 
known of Cyrus, he was living at Milton Plan. Lenora, b. June 
15, 1831. d. Apr. 15. 1908, unmanied, on Peru Town Farm. 
Elmore d. Jan. 31, 1892, m. Apr. 2, 1844, Mary Ann, b. Oct. 10, 
1819, d. Aug. 17. 1901, dau. of Geo. Babb. Children :— Ellen 
Annette, b. Dec. 13. 1845, m. Ephraim M. Gerrish; Mary, 1). Dec. 
11. 1847, d. June 8, 1864; Wm. Maurice, b. Oct. 11, 1849, d. Feb. 
4, 1902, unmarried; Henry Elwin, b. Jan. 25, 1851; Mariam B., 
b. Aug. 26. 1855. m. Robert Gillespie; Lizzie, b. Dec. 28, 1859, m. 
Elwin C. Knox: Georgianna, d. May 31, 1864. ae. 1 yr., 7 mos. 
Henry E., m. Sept. 1, 1903, Elizabeth, dau. of Myron G. Hickok 
and widow of Eoscoe Roberts, b. Vermont. Henry E. was the suc- 
cessor on his father's farm and followed fai'ming M"ith success till 
about the close of the year 1903, when he sold fann and stock to 
Robert Gillespie, who had m. his sister,' Mariam B. They con- 
tinue there, industrious and enterprising to date. Mr. Knight 
located at Dixfield Yill., bought a house lot and built him a home. 
Occui)ation, house carpenter. He helped by his labor build the 
iron fence around the Knight Cemetery in fall of 1909. 

Henry Knight 

Another race here in 1821. Henry and Thursey Knight. 
Children :—Ebenezer Buxton, b. Xov. 9. 1816: William, b. Oct. 
29, 1818; Sally, b. Sept. 16, 1820. Another family came later. 
Ebenezer B. and Elizabeth Knight. Children: — Zacheus Trafton. 
b. Aug. 25. 1839; Maiy Ellen, b. :\rny 11. 1832. Xo further 
knowledsre of these families. 



186 History of the Tow^r of Pi:Ru. 

Sons of Merrill Knight, Sr. 

Goin Knight married 1st, Eunice Dorr, probably sister of 
David Dorr, spelled formerly Dore, about 1806. His child Polly 
died Nov. 2, 1807, ae. 5 months. Had daughters Eunice, born Nov. 
11, 1809. She ni. Leonard Trask of Peru. Fanny, born July 2, 
1811, m. Ansel Hall of Wilton, Mar. 7, 1827. Wife Eunice Knight 
died July 23, 1811, two days after birth of child, ae. 27 years. 
Goin Knight m. 2nd, Betsey Eoberts, sister to Setli Eoberts. Theii 
only child, Orville Knight, born Dec. 13, 1811, rii. Patience Eogers 
of Lowell, Mass. about 1836. Their children : — Xancy Octava, b. 
May 20, 1837; Mary Elizabeth, b. Feb. 9, 1839, d. Mar. 18, 1842; 
Charles Goin, b. Jan. 4, 1841, d. Apr. 29, 1812; Albert S., b. Xov. 

2, 18-14; Frank, b. Mar. 20, 1817. Goin Kniglit was hauling logs 
in woods Apr. 8, 1811, and died alone of heart trouble, ae. about 80 
years. His widow, Betsey Knight, died on tlie Town Fanii May 

3, 1860, ae. ]Drobabl_y 70 years or more. Orville Knight died of 
injury May 20, 185."3 at Lowi~ton. His wife and children subse- 
quently went West and foimd new homes. HauT, tbe next 
3'ounger son of Merrill, Sr., lived on Xew Gounty lioad near the 
corner of Irraneh road leading to Brady Bailey's at that date and 
near 0. L. Knight place. He died tlieie of Ijlood poisoning from 
sore on heel in tlie early tliirtios. No further infornialion is 
available. The next son. Adam, born l']92, m. Betsey Ghase, 
born 1791, daughter of Eev. Xathaniel Chase, Buekhebl. They 
lived first on second tier of lots west of Wm. Walker, .1 1-. place 
adjoining Morrill Ledge Mountain. "Voted in Plantation meet- 
ing, Dec. 11, 1813 to lay out a road from the west county road to 
Adam Knight's farm," known a few years ago as the Daniel (Jam- 
mon farm. Xext he Iniilt and rnn a saw mill at the ])lace since 
named Dickvale. He died there Apr. 15, 1853. ae. 61 years. His 
wife died June 22, 1847, ae. 53 years. Their cliildren : — Xatlianiel. 
b. Dec. 7, 1816; Merrill, b. Dec. 6, 1818: Salome, b. Dec. 26, 1820. 
Salome m. June 23, 1850, Enoch ]\forrill in Sumnei-. Evelim.' A., 
b. Mar. 23, 1824, died Mar. 7, 1844, ae. 20 years. Calista, 1). Mar. 
27, 1826. Calista m. Pub., Aug. 19, 1848, Oliver Eobins in AA'o.xl- 
stock. Daniel, b. Mar. 10, 1828. Did not uuirrv. Went lo Oiv- 
gon when a young man and died there in a few yeai's. Jeniinia, I). 
Dec. 23, 1831, m. Lucius Doble. Maria Louisa, b. Dec. 27, IS.",:. 
m. Wesley Farnum. 

Merrill Kniglit, Jr.. tlie youngest son of Merrill Ava^ l)orn in 
Falmouth, Aug. 20, 1793. He married Eachel Buxton, l)orn Tdti). 
Falmouth. Children :—Emeline. h. Mar. Hi. 1818, d. dulv 16, 



History or the Towx of Peru. 187 

1854, married Wm. Bailey, Feb. 6, 18-50; Catherine, b. Mar. 13, 
1820, m. Oliver Brackett. Their daughter, Sarah Jane, was b. ISTew 
Gloucester in 1849, d. at Livermore Falls, Sept. 18, 1906. Adam, 
b. July 6, 1822, died Aug. 6, 1845, ae. 23 years. Albion K. P., 
b. June 1, 1825. Samuel B., b. Dec. 22, 1828. .William Leavitt, 
b. Oct. 2, 1835. Daughters of Merrill Knight, Sr. :— Sally or 
Sarah, m. 1st a Goodwin, 2nd m. David Dorr of Peru. She died 
Aj^r. 3, 1855. Dates not available. Lucy, b. 1779, m. 1802-3, 
Amos Knight, b. Westbrook 1781. He was a member of School 
Committee in Plan. 1813 and Moderator of the Plantation meet- 
ing, Dec. 11, 1813. Doubtless he was a resident here years before 
this date. ISTo family relation existed between this couj^le prior to 
their marriage. There were four or five separate races of Knight 
families in town. Their children: — Polly, b. Oct. 1, 1801, d. Mar. 
6, 1805; Sarah, b. Feb. G, 1807, m. Stephen Clammon July 28, 
1825: Leonard, b. Oct. 2G, 1808; Mary Jane, b. July 13, 1810, m. 
Arsa Fobes, May 25, 1828; Mariam, b. Oct. 25, 1812, m. Merrill 
Holman, Dixfield; Harrison, b. Nov. 1814, m. July 13, IS 1:2, Irena 
Holman, daughter of Jonathan of Dixfield. He died in l'. S. ser- 
vice, Co. M, 2nd Me. Cav. 1861-5. John J.. 1). Mar. 6, 1816. d. 
Dec. 21, 1818. John b. July 13, 1818. Goin, b. Dec. 29, 1819, d.. 
Oct. 26, 1820. Saphrona, b. Sept. 22, 1821, m. Jeremiah Brackett. 
a brother of \A"m. P. Brackett. Eunice, daugliter of ilerrill Knight, 
S]'., l)orn 1763, m. 1st Daniel Barton of Peru: had son James, \>. 
:\Iar. 10, 1806; husband died Oct. 28, 1838: w. 2nd, Eenj. York,, 
aged 84 yrs.. Kov. 6, 1845. S'lie was aged H3 yi's. She died Feb. 
19, 1853, aged 90 yrs. Anothei' daughter. ^liiiam, dates wanting,, 
ra. Ebenezer Waite of Livei more, b. Mar. 8, 17 7i). Tie died Jan. 
23, 1852. Dorcas. 1). 1784 m. Francis AVaite, brother of Fhenezer,. 
l)orn Falmoutli Aug. 17. 1783. Mai'tha. h. 17S8, Falmouth, m. 
^Ym. Walker, Jr., May 17, 1811. He was horn Sept. 30. 1790.. 
Mercy, h. 1783, m. Peter Holman, the fatlier of Col. John ,). Hol- 
man, Dixfield, 1). 1769, d. Oct. 30, 1829. AVife died Dec. 9, 1855,. 
ae. 79 yrs., 5 mos. Mary Knight m. Xathani(4 Dorr. ^lerrill 
Knighi, Sr. had 8 daus. who grew up, luai'i'ied and raised a large- 
family of children. Of his four sons three ni. and liail good fiiinilies. 

Sons of Adam Knight 

Xathaniel Knight b. Dec. iSKi. d. Oct. 20, 1M56, ni. Juiu> 5, 
1842. Coliun!)ia Sweet. Child: en :—Auhrye :\Iellcn, 1). A ii r. 8, 
1843; Evaline Auville, b. June 11. 1815, m. Oct. 1], 1868. Lorenzo,, 
b. jSTov. 11, 1843. son of Freeman L-ish : Daniel, h. June 26. 1853. 



188 lIisTOJjY or THE Town of Peru. 

Widow and children went Werft. Nathaniel was enterprising and 
progressive, a elianipion of all moral reforms, a highly esteemed 
citizen. Merrill Knight 3nd, b. Dec. G, 1818, d. June 13, 1881, m. 
1st May 1842, Angeline M. Ford, a sister to Capt. Elhanan Ford 
in Sumner. Wife d. June 'i-i, 1848 in Sumner. He m. 2nd Jan. 
15, 1854, Esther W., dau. of Eev. Wm. Woodsum in Peru. Chil- 
dren: — Pievilla A. Knight, m. Feb. 9, 1878, Aravesta, dau. ol' Seth 
W. Jackson. Lura Knight did not marry. She was a good scholar 
in common English branches. She taught her first school at West 
Peru Vill. in early eighties and gave her pupils a thorough drill in 
^11 their studies. She d. at Sumner Avhile on a visit to relatives, 
Aug. 2Q, 1906, having been in poor health several years. Widow 
Esther W. d. May 12, 1889, ae. 64 yrs., 10 mos., 10 days. This 
was a Christian family, highly respected by all. Both of these 
brothers taught schools in to'\\Ti and served on tlie school board. 
They were prominent memljers of the Light Infantry, a new Co. 
of the Home Militia in town around middle forties. 

Leonard, son of Amos Knight, m. ISTov. 28, 1831, Betsey, dau. 
■of Zadoc and Judith Forbes. Wife b. Jan. 25, 1803, d. around 
1886. He d. April 13, 1843. Children: — Daniel Waterman, b. 
Jan. 21, 1833; Cordelia, b. Dec. 12, 1834, d. Sept. 6, 1856; Judith, 
ib. Dec. 12, 1840, d. Oct. 1842. John, son of Amos Knight, m. 
May 24, 1851 to Martha Ann, 1st wife, dau. of Josiah Gerrish, b. 
Nov. 21, 1824, d. July 7, 1867. Children :—Leavitt M., b. Oct. 
18, 1852, m. Jessie F.,' dau. of Thos. J. DeMerritt, Mar. 29, 1879 ; 
Leonard Eandall, b. July 3, 1854. Wife, Alice B. Children:— 
Leonard Pandall, Jr., b. Oct. 1, 1897; Martha Lorana. b. 1904. 
Osroe Leighton b. Aug. 29, 1857, m. Mar. 16, 1879, Mary E., dau. 
•of Albion K. P. Knox. Wife d. Mar. 20, 1889. Bal)y b. Mar. 18, 
1889, d. Mar. 23, 1889. He married 2nd, Cassie Louise, dau. of 
Wm. Brown, Mass. Children: — John Leighton, Ralph G., Blanche 
E. Parent .lohn died Apr. 26, 1896. He m. 2nd, June 9, 1868, 
Mary G., dau. of David Shaw, Sanbornton, IST. H. Daniel W. m. 
Aug. 2, 1857, Lydia Jane, b. Peru, dau. Seth Burgess. Children : 
— Leroy Waldron, b. July 27, 1858, m. Oct. 19, 1882, Ida M. 
Fletcher, Buckfield; Cora Belle, b. Sept. 19, 1860, m. Everett B. 
Fletcher in Peru ; Adna W., b. May 31, 1865. Adna AY. m. Jan. 
13, 1883, Laura Etta. dau. of Danville Knox, d. May 4, 1901. No 
issue. Adopted Edith Knox. Married 2nd, Kov. 26, 1903. Ada 
E., dau. of Ephraim M. Gerrish. Child :— Burton A., b. Sept. 27, 
1907 ; Lizzie Gertrude, b. June 19, 1867, m. Sept. 29. 1888, Chas. 
Skillinirs of Auburn. Children: — Ethel. Ernest, Alice, Hazel. 



History of the Toavx of Peru. 189- 

Sons of Merrill Knight, Jr. 

Albion K. P., b. Peru, d. Dec. 10, 1887, m. Aug. 11, 1859, 
Emily, b. June 9, 1830, d. July 9, 1903 dau. of Eobert and Betsey 
Barstow. Children : — Matilda, Corrina, b. Aug. 19, 1863, m. 
Fred G. Newton. Child :—Percival K., b. Apr. 11, 1873, m. 1st,. 
Addie M. Harriman, b. Mar. 1880, d. July 23, 1901. Dau. Mabel. 
He m. 2nd, Sept. 8, 1903, Lena M., dau. of Geo. Virgin and Eva 
Pratt of Carthage. Samuel B. Knight d. Feb. 3, 1901, m. Mar. .13, 
1876, Nancy A., d. Jan. 16, 1898, dau. of Chas. G. Knox and Eliza- 
beth Koberts. Son Elavil A. m. Flora E. Floyd. William L. d. 
June 22, 1906, m. May 2, 1860, Sarah E., dau. of Steplien Gam- 
mon. First born d. young. Children: — Elnora B., m. Leonard 
H. Davenport; Edgar S., m. Aug. 1906, Mabel Allen, Mechanic 
Falls; AfBe E., m. E. A. Pinkham; Clifton. Affie E. Pinkham d. 
July 2, 1904, ae. 33 yrs., 6 nios., leaving Eichworth A. and six chil- 
dren in Peru. Names, Tressa, Georgia A., Philip M., Helen I., 
Leon E., Leroy. Mr. Pinkham is a first class house painter. 

Knox Family 

Three brothers, Joshua, Eli and James, of the Knox family 
were earl}'' settlers in Peru. Joshua and wife came first and per- 
haps their first child b. in 1810. All the other children were born 
in town. He was chairman of a committee for division of school 
districts in 1819. His farm was a good selection on High street, 
where he and wife, and two generations of his offspring lived and 
reared families. All were ^enterprising and prosperous farmers. 
While the offspring of many pioneers have believed Peru a good 
town to emigrate from, the Knox families and the Oldhams have 
stood by generally and helped hold the fort. The other brothers 
came after the incorporation a few years. It is believed they lived 
and died here, and several of their children. This race were good 
citizens, honest and reliable, good neighbors, kind hearted and of 
temperate habits; in politics Democrats; in religion neutral. 

Joshua Knox d. Dec. 25, 1839, ae. 47 yrs., m. Mar. 19, 1810. 
Polly Tuttle. Wife d. Atig. 28, 1860. Children :—Montilion S., 
b. Oct. 1810; Everett, b. Apr. 14, 1819, d. Peru; Charles G., b. June 
12,^1820, d. Peru; Albion K. P., b. Oct. 2, 1821, d. Nov. 7, 1867; 
Danville Decatur, b. Sept. 16, 1824, d. Peru ; Chandler B., b. Feb. 
24, 1827, m. sister of Leander Teague : Hiram E., b. May 1, 1829. 
d. Peru; Algernon S., b. Apr. 22, 1831, d. Peru, Mary Ann M., b.. 
Feb. 22, 1833, m. Otis Gammon. 



190 History of the Town of Peru. 

Chas. G. Knox d. July 19, 18G6, m. Pub., Sept. 19, 1810, 
Elizabeth W., dau. of Setli Eoberts. AVife d. N^ov. 26, 1901, ae. 
79 yrp., 10 mos., 15 days. Children: — Joshua Eipley, b. Dec. 14, 
1843; Sumner E. N"., b. Dec. 21, 1845; Melville, b. Mar. 3, 1848, 
unmarried; Chas. Emery, b. July 14, 1850, d. Oct. T, 1853; 
Xancy Anna, b. Eeb. 26, 1853, m. Samuel B. Knight; Chas. Emery, 
b. Sept. 3, 1855, m. Dec. 6, 1894, Althea A. York, parted; Ella 
Etta, b. Mar. 21, 1859, d. Jan. 1, 1862; Lillian Ardella, b. Aug. 
19, 1865, m. 2d, John Frost; Lucy M., b. d. July 16, 1864, ae. 11 
mos.; Perley C, ae. 32 yrs., m. 2nd, jSToy. 24, 1894, Leanna M. 
Morrison, ae. 20 ja^s., of Sumner. Infant son d. 1898. Perley Gr. 
m 1st, Lona L. Knight, a descendant of David Morse or his wife. 
Children by Perley : — ^Linwood P. and Edith May. The last named 
m. July 2, 1907, Chas. A. Newton, b. Dixfield. Lona L. and Perley 
G. parted. 

Joshua P., son of Chas. G. Knox, m. Apr. 23, 1865, Sarah M., 
dau. of Chas. York. Children :— Chandler B., b. Sept. 26, 1868; 
Evander Bert, b. m. Lizzie T. Knox, widow; Chas. W. ; Walter E.; 
Sumner E., m. May 17, 1872, Mary Ella, dau. of Xaveri Martin. 
Children: — Sarah E., m. Leadbetter; Gladys M., m. Erwin Austin. 
Albion K. P., son of Joshua Knox, m. Dec. 7, 1851, Susannah S., 
dau. of Jolm C. Wyman, Sr. Wife d. Jan. 19, 1879, ae. 49 yrs., 
7 mos. Children :— Flora Etta, b. Feb. 5, 1852, d. May 30, 1869; 
Elwin Chandler, b. Oct. 28, 1853; Harriet Jeanette, b. Mar. 26, 

1856, m. Ezra Bray; Mary E., b. Dec. 28, 1857, m. Osroe Knight; 
Angle E., b. July 31, 1860, d. Oct. 2, 1861 ; Clement, died out west. 

Danville D., son of Joshua Knox, m. Nov. 6, 1850, Bethia, 
dau. of Scth Eoberts. Widow Bethia d. Xov. 11, 1909, ae. 80 yrs., 
b mos., 27 d. Children :— Danville A., b. ISTov. 25, 1854, d. Jan. 5, 
1862; Chester Linwood, b. Apr. 17, 1857; Laura Etta, b. July 30, 
1860, m. Adna Knight; Angle A., b. Nov. 26, 1862, u. m. ; Frank L., 
b. Sept. 7, 1865, m. 2nd, dau. of Columbus Taintor; Flora E., d. 
Jan. 13, ,1851, ae. 5 mos. ; Elmer W. ; Chester L. m. Flavilla, dau. of 
Isaac Wliitman; they had son, Cleston; wife d. Child: — Susie M., 
Chester L. m. 2nd. Eesidence, Mechanic Falls. House carpenter. 
Have two children. Hiram E,. son of Joshua, m. Pub., Dec. 16, 
1854, Miriam M., dau. of Seth Eoberts. Children: — Lucy Ellen, 
b. Oct. 13, 1855, d. Jan. 27, 1862 ; Paracinia Augusta, b. Apr. 16, 

1857, d. Feb. 8, 1862: Euby Frances, b. Aug. 10, 1858; Ellen B., b. 
d. Jan. 27, 1862. Algernon, son of Joshua Knox, d. May 21, 
1899, m. Pub., Nov. 10, 1856, to Victoria, dau. of Brady Bailey, Jr. 



History or the Towx oe Peku. 191 

Children: — ISTelly M., b. Jan. 2, 1857, m. Aniasa F. Carter; Lewis 
M., d. Oct. 2Q, 1897, ae. 35 yrs., married July 1, 1891, Eva M., 
dau. of Edwin E. Austin. 

James Knox, a brother of Joshua Knox and family. He d. Jan. 
29, 1839, ae. 46 yrs., and had wife, Sarah. Children: — Calista 
Jane, b. Mar. 17, 1820, m. James Starbird; John, b. Jan. 17, 1822, 
d. Jan. 1, 1810; Dorcas Eveline, b. Apr. 6, 1821; Asa Moore, b. 
May 22, 1826. Residence, Metheun, Mass.; Amanda Melvina, b. 
Mar. 13, 1828; Lydia Merinda, b. Aug. 16, 1830; Rebecca Rosalind, 
b. Aug. 16, 1831. The above births and deaths were in Peru, ex- 
cepting the birth of the first and perhaps the second child. 

Elwin C. Ejiox, son of Albion K. P., m. Mar. 14, 1879, Lizzie 
T., dau. of Elmore Knight. Children : — Ernestine M., b. Apr. 24, 
1880; Ethel A., b. June 2, 1883, m. N'ov. 11, 1902, Elmer L., son 
of Elmer W. Knox. Their son, Lester L., b. Aug. 15, 1907 ; Grace 
M., b. Oct. 1, 1886; Elwin C, Jr., b. May 1890; Gerald E.; Harold 
A. Ernestine M., m. Sept. 11, 1897, Thos. W. Stillman, have son, 
Gerald T., b. April 19, 1903. Family in California. Parent El- 
win C. d. May 22, 1896. Widow remarried Evander B. Knox, 
son of Joshua R. Their children : — Merle B., Sadie L., Adeline G. 

Elmer W. Knox, son of Danville D., m. 1st, Oct. 13, 1874, Mary, 
dau. of Cyrus Davenport. Children : — Flora E., Elmer L. Wife 
d. Apr. 8, 1886. Elmer W. m. 2nd, Lona L. Knox, divorced. Mar- 
riage. May 5, 1888. Children : — Selma M., Chester L., Mabel A., 
Elmer W.. Jr., Laura B., Iva M., Herbert E., Margaret L. 

Eli Knox, brother of Joshua, m. around 1825, Annis Maxim, 
b. Hebron, a sister of Lydia, the wife of Daniel Delano. Chil- 
dren: — Julia Ann, b. 1826, d. in Mass.; Boardman, b. 1828, d. in 
Mass.; Sarah Jane. b. Oct. 4, 1830, m. Dec. 3, 1818, Xaveri Mar- 
tin in Peru; Eli Knox, Jr., b. Dec. 25, 1832, m. Lucy Maria Brown 
of East Abington, now Rockland, Mass. He d. 1878 in Rockland. 
Wife d. there 1908. Their son, Alfred Everett, d. there 1876, ae. 
nearly 19 years. 

Eli Knox. Sr., d. in Peru around 1832. His widow had a 
home with Samuel Burgess. She remarried Ma}^ 10, 1835. Edsil 
Smith, son of Josiah Smith. Their children : — Comfort, b. Aug. 
27, 1835, m. Emery Record of Buckfield; Mary T., b. Aug. 1, 1837; 
Albion K., b. June 1, 1840; Elizabeth Joanna, b. July 8, 1843. 
Sarah Maxim, a sister to Annis, m. George H. Smith, a brother 
to Edsil. Thus the children of Delano and those of Knox and the 
two Smiths are cousins. Three Maxim sisters of Hebron married 
and settled in Peru. 



193 HiSTOKY OF THE ToWX OF PeKU. 

Thomas S. Lord 

One of tlic 1812 war soldiers laid at rest in the Franklin 
Cemetery is Thomas S. Lord b. in Lebanon, Me. 1792, d. July 1, 
1873, ae. 81 yrs. He enlisted in a New Hampshire Eegt. Land 
service and at close of service returned to Lebanon. Subsequently 
he came to Livermore, Me. where he m. Polly Dorr and settled 
there, continuing many years, and a pensioner abo\it two years, till 
his death; his widow succeeding him on the pension roll at Liver- 
more and at Franklin. Wife d. at latter place, Jime 1, 1888, ae. 
88 yrs., 3 mos., 19 days. Children :—Thos. Lord, b. Aug. 13, 1817, 
d. Oct. 16, 1903, m. Sept. 29, 1810, Marcenia G. Mathews; Mary 
Jane Lord, b. 1819, m. Almon AndreAvs; Benj. Lord, b. 1823, m. 
Apr. 16, 1850, Julia Etta, dau. of Gardiner Lovejoy. BenJ. was 
a soldier, Co. D, 12th Me. He d. 1905. Widow d. Feb. 1906. 
Andrew Lord m. Hannah Canwell, N"ov. 17, 1853. Sarah Lord 
m. Columbus Wing; both living in Peru, 1910. Mary H., b. 1819, 
m. Nov. 29, 1838, Almon Andrews. Wife d. May 7, 1906. 

Family of Thomas and Marcenia G. Lord. I'oxanna. b. Oct. 
33, 1843. Albert, b. Sept. 17, 1844. Eesidence, Portland. Augus- 
ta Jane, b. Oct. 9, 1846, m. Nov. 25, 1866, John A. Caldwell. An- 
gelia, b. Feb. 30, 1849, single. Dexter D., b. Jan. 13, 1851. Mar- 
tha, b. Apr. 16, 1853, m. in Lewiston. Mary Alma, b. Aug. 1, 
1855, d. of consumption. Henrietta, b. Jan. 8, 1858, d. insane. 
Hattie A., b. May 3, 1860, d. of consumption. Melville Y., b. May 
9, 1864. Dexter D. m. Dec. 11, 1873, Ida M., dau. of Seth Jack- 
son. Wife d. Jan. 16, 1881, ae. 36 yrs., 6 mos., 34 days. Their 
children :— Bertha, d. Apr. 8, 1875, ae. 5 mos. ;Ethel May, b. Mar. 
30, 1879, was living with father and step-mother at Brettun's Mills, 
Livermore. 

Lara 

Stephen Lara, b. Gorham, Me., m. around 1821, Eebecca Ham- 
lin in Gorham. In the early forties and down to the early fifties, 
the high elevation of land overlooking to the east and south, the 
head waters of Stony brook, derived its, name "Lara Hill" from 
this family with their farm home on its summit. At its foot on 
the north was the Benjamin Fobes farm, which later passed to G. 
Washington Bisbee, the parent of Geo. D. Bisbee, attorney, who 
enlisted from that farm in army service. The Lara family were : 
John b. Apr. 19, 1833; Eunice H., b. Oct. 9, 1823, m. Mar. 3, 
1851, Joshua York, lives in Baldwin, Me. ; Charles F., b. Nov. 13, 
1837, m. Emily Howell, Fall Eiver, Mass. He died 1855; Mary 



HlSTOKV OJ- Til 10 TOWX OF VlAlU. 193 

H., b. May 3, 18"21), m. Storer Libb}', MorrilFs Coruyr, died about 
1900; Margaret Ann, b. and d. 1831; Hazen Danforth, b. Apr. 22,. 
1833, d. Jan. 23, 1908. He worked, at stone cutting largely 
tbrougli life, a first class workman. He was an honest, honorable 
man. Pie married Sarah M. Waite. Their residence many years 
was at Mechanic Falls, where wife died, 1894. 'No issue. Samuel 
H., b. Nov. 1, 183.J. Eesidence, Athol, Mass. Abigail d. a babe,. 
Feb. 1837. Stephen, b. Sept. 1840, d. at Paris about 1870. Cath- 
erine B., b. May 27, 1843, d. July 12, 1846. 

John Lara learned trade of stone cutter when a young man. 
He Avorked at his trade in Boston in the fifties and sixties. He 
ni. Lydia S., dau. of Francis Lunt of Pern. There wore b. to 
them in Boston two sons and a daughter where wife died Aug, 
10, 1868. After wife's death Mr. Lara and his sons removed to^ 
(*anada. The dau. at last account was in Boston and the sons in 
(Canada. Mr. Lara siibsequently M'ent West, married a 2nd wife 
and lived with her at Whitewood, near Roclcy Mountains when lie^ 
died, leaving a widow, two sons and a daughter. 

The Lunt Family 

It is a family tradition that three Lunt brothers came from 
Xewbur}', Berkshire Count}', England and settled in what is now 
Xewburyport, Mass. in 1633. One of these eventually located near 
St. Johns, X. B., the other two becoming the forbears of a widely 
scattered and highly respected famih'. Henry Lunt was a faNorite 
officer under Commodore John Paul Jones in the Bonhonime 
Eichard and assisted in the capture of the Serapis and through- 
out the war for independence. His grandson, Ec\-. William Par- 
sons Lunt, D. D., was the corresponding secretary ol: the MasS; 
Historical Society at the time of his death. Mar. 21, 1857, while 
traveling for his health in Egypt. He was born in 1805 and grad- 
uated at Harvard in 1823. A memorial was erected in bis honor 
in the church in Quincy where he officiated. 

The Lunt family in Peru. The progenitor so far as traced 
was Samuel Lunt in Kittery, Me., b. Jan. 23, 1722, who came to 
Falmouth, Me. between 1742 and 1745, where it is presumed he d. 
July 26, 1772. Xotliing is known of his wif-.' except her death,, 
Xov. 1778. Their children weje : — William, b. Kittery, Sept. IS, 
1742, d. Falmouth Mar. 21, 1806: Mary. b. Falmouth, Aug. 15, 
1745, d. Xov. 28, 1772. I quote from two authorities, one has 
name Sarah and oue Hannah, 1). Oct. 19, 1747, d. (no date) at 



194 History of the Towx of Peru. 

Sabbathday Pond, .N"ew Gloucester; Daniel, b. Nov. 19, 1719, d. 
in Westbi-ook, Nov. 29, 1823; Samuel, b. Dec. 21, 1750, d. Demerava, 
Cuba, Aug. 31, 1775; John, b. July 5, 1751, d. July 3, 1809. 
Through the courtesy of ]\[rs. Lodicia II. Smith, dau. of Francis 
Lunt, at the hand of John F. Hull we have the war record of Capt. 
Daniel Lunt in the Continental Army. He first appears as Ser- 
geant in Cajjt. John Brackett's Co., which marched from Falmouth, 
Me., Apr. 19, 1775. After frequent mention he appears as 2nd 
Lieut, in said Co. Dec. 3, 1776 as 1st Lieut. Jan. 1, 1777 as 
Capt. in Col. Tupper's Eegt., Jan. 1, 1780 to Jan. 1, 1783. Fre- 
quent mention of him in Mass. Archives Lexington Alarms, Vol. 
11, Page 218, Vol. 15, Page 214. Continental Army Books, Yol. 
18, Page Q6, Vol. 19, Part 1, Page 99. Mass. Muster and Pay 
Eollb, Vol. 60, Fol. 1. Mass. Muster and Pay Polls, Vol. 60, Fol. 
11. Field and Staff Polls, Vol. 60, Page 13. The sword he car- 
ried through the war is (now 1907) owned by John C. B. Smith, 
the son of the said Lodicia H., also the monogram that was on his 
gun. He broke the blade of the sword in an encounter and brazed 
it together again. Capt. Lunt, the land proprietor, m. around 
1772, Mollie Starbird, b. June 11, 1749, his first wife. She d. 
Dec. 25, 1787. They had seven children :— Daniel, Jr., b. Oct. 7, 
1772 in Falmouth, d. Jan. 7, 1854 in Peru; William, b. Mar. 12, 
1875, d. Mar. 16, 1809 on the Wm. Kjde farm, now Henry Chase ; 
buried in field there, East Peru; Samuel, b. May 1, 1777, d. Mar. 
21, 1798 at St. Jago, the south side of Cuba; James 1st, b. Oct. 18, 
1781, d. Dec. 28, 1781; James 2nd, b. Mar. 6, 1784, d. Feb. 27, 
1872 in Peru; Hannah, b. Dec. 27, 1785, Hannah Elder by mar- 
riage d. Mar. 2, 1809; Molly, b. Nov. 17, 1787, d. Dec. 7, 1787, 
followed by her mother 18 days after. Capt. Daniel Lunt's sec- 
ond wife was Eunice C'onant, b. July 12, 1763, a sister of Joseph 
Conant, one of the early pioneers of Peru. Five children : — Fran- 
cis, b. July 16, 1790, d. in Boston, Oct. 6, 1864 ; Molly or Mary, b. 
Feb. 8, 1792, m. Wm. Kyle, his 1st wife. She d. Oct. 11, 1813. 
Eecord shows Wm. Kyle one of the Assessors of Plan., 1812. It is 
evident that his wife Mary d. in Eumford where they moved. Geo. 
W. Limt, b. Mar. 24, 1794, d. Dixfield, Oct. 21, 1874. Bartholo- 
mew, b. Jan. 24, 1796, d. Feb. 14, 1837 at Falmouth. Eunice, b. 
June 26, 1799, d. July 10, 1821. Bartholomew m. Huldah Jepson. 
Capt. Daniel Lunt, soldier of war of 177(5, d. Nov. 29, 1823, ae. 
74 ji'B., at Falmouth, lie. He was interred near Pride's Corner 
on home farm, down in a field or private cemetery. The inscrip- 
tion on head stone does not show service in War of Eevolution. It 



History of the Towx of Peku. 195 

reads. "Capt. Daniel Lunt died l^ox. 29, 1823, ae. Tl years." 
Daniel Lunt, Jr. married Ehod}'- Starbird about 1798. Five chil- 
dren :— Eunice, b. Jan. 22, 1799, d. July 12, 1819 in Peru; Dean, 
b. Mar. 2, 1801, the first white male child born in the Township, 
now Peru; Polly, b. Apr. 22, ISOT, m. Jonathan Hall, Dec. 1, 1826. 
He died 1827; Levi, b. May 14, 1809; Susan, b. Aug. 4, 1812, d. 
Dec. 16, 1840. This includes all of this family. Daniel, the par- 
ent, died Jan. 7, 1854, ae. 81 yrs., 3 mos. His wife died Sept. 6, 
1863, ae. 87 yrs., 11 mos. Eunice and Susan did not man-y. Polly 
d., the wife of John M. Deshon, Mar. 13, 1836, in Canton. Dean 
m. Mary Burnham of Bethel; no issue. He d. Mar. 2, 1^83, ae. 82 
yrs. His wife d. in Bethel a year or two after. This man was one 
of the leading officials of the town many years, a man of integrity, 
good judgment, staunch, upright and reliable. His brother, Levi, 
shared with him tliese qualities. They were farmers and shared 
in content equally their father's home farm through life Math no 
fence in tillage or pasture to mark the dividing line. 

Levi Lunt was one of Peru's quota of troops called for by 
Goveinor Fairfield of Maine in 1839 pending the Madawaska war. 
He joined the State militia at Augusta, where his gallantry and 
dignity won him a captain's commission. Fully equipped with 
sword in hand the Capt. and his command slept upon tlieir arms, 
expecting liourly the call, forward, march! So great was sounded 
the tocsin of war ! There had been a dispute as to the true line 
between this State and jSTew Brunswick. A party from the latter 
l^lace seized Mr. Pufus Mclntire, land agent of Maine, near Mada- 
waska settlement and carried him to Fredericton on a horse sled. 
The news spread with the rapidity of lightning over tlie country. 
Tlie militia of the State were called out under the comiuand of 
Gen. Hodsdon and the troops rendezvoused at Bangor and Augusta. 
Gen. Scott was ordered to Maine and on his arrival at Augusta, 
sent a communication to Sir John Harvey of tlie provincial gov- 
ornmont. ^Mr. Mclntire was released, the alarm subsided and the 
troo])3 were disbanded and returned home. Capt. Lunt 1)rought 
home Iiis sword. A few years later he commanded one of tlie Co.'s 
one training day, at Win. Walker's hotel, with the identical sword. 
It is now a relic in the family. The only grandchild of Daniel 
Lunt, Jr., was Jonathan, the son of Polly Hall. 

Levi Lunt m. Dec. 20, 1840, Sarah Jane, b. Sept. 1, 1814, dau. 
of Thomas Frashier in Peru; no issue. Wife d. June ?., 1876. 
Husband d. Sept. 3, 1884. The end came sudden and unexpected. 
Seemingly in health and vigor he lay upon the lounge for a short 



106 HisToiiV OF 'I'lii'; Towx of Pkiu'. 

nii(l-([;iy iiiiji, ('Oiiipliiiiu'il ol' a> sli^'lit diili :>.- his housekeeper drew 
tlie wrap about him; in a few moments lie was asleep, and in a 
short time without a move, lie liad passed to higher life. He ex- 
perienced i-eligion in the middle forties at an evening prayer meet- 
ing, at the home of Joseph Thicker. It was a Pentecostal season. 
In answer to j^rayer, the spirit of God filled his soul, and he was 
redeemed from Adanr's transgression, born anew, an heir of God 
and His Throne; a glorious inheritance. Of all earthly attain- 
ments, this is the greatest. Without it here in the llesh. life is a 
failure, and deatl.' is a leap in tlie dark. We must be l)orn to a 
spiritual life to gain heaven. Seek Christ wliile you are living and 
all will 1>.^. Avell." 

James Lunt was the Inisiness manager of his father's land 
here, and the principal laud lu'oker many yeais. Honest, upright 
and reliable, he became one of the leading men in town affairs, and 
an active member of the Methodist Church in Peju. James Liint 
m. Mercy, the daughter of Joseph Coolidge and Mary Adams. Wife 
horn Watertown, Mass. TsTor. 12, 1786. Coolidge came from Wa- 
tertown to Livermore, Me. Children : — Hannah, b. Apr. 25, 1812, 
m. Joel H. Bigelow, Livermore. Mar. 1843 : jSTancy, b. Aug. 25, 
1814, m. Samuel Holmes, 2nd wife, Sept. 17, 1848, died Xov. 20, 
1868; Dorcas W.. b. Feb. 8, 1817, ra. Sewell M. Norton in Liver- 
more, Sept. 1845. died Apr. 8, 1852; Mary A., b. Aug. 12, 1820, m. 
Eobert L. Hall, 2nd wife. May ,31, 1855 ; Jane. h. Mar. 19, 1823, m. 
Sewell Norton, 2nd wife, Sept. 3. 1862; Harriet, b. Nov. 10, 1826, 
d. Dec. 22. 1853; Sally W., b. Jan. 2. 1829, m. Jacob Lovejoy, 
Sept. 2, 1852, d. May 6. 1866 ; Mercy, b. Apr. 16, 1834. did not 
marry, died Sept., 1872. Their father died Feb. 27, 1872. Mother 
died Sept. 6, 1874. None of the last two lAint families named or 
their descendants live in town 1907. All of James Lunt's chil- 
dren were horn in Peru and all were successful school teachers, 
highly esteemed by all. Hannah was first teacher of Melissa Jack- 
son, who praises lier teacher, Aug. 1908. 

Francis Lunt, the first child by 2nd wife of Capt. Lunt m. 
Lydia S. Simmons. Their children: — Daniel Lunt. 1>. . Fel). 17, 
1815; Pobert B., b. Jan. 15, 1818; John S.. 1). Nov. 13, 1819; Eu- 
nice, 1). Oct. 23, 1821, m. Cyrus Keene of Peiu ; Francis. Jr., b. 
Nov. 21. 1823 ; Diana S.. 1). Nov. 6. 1825. d. :\rav 16, 1838. ae. I2V2 
yrs. ; Lodicia H., 1). Fel). 28, 1828. m. Se])t. i^ 1855, E. Warren 
Smith, Boston; Lvdia S.. b. Feb. 24. 1830. m. John Lara in Peru, 
died Aug. 10, 1868 in Bostim. left two sous, last known in Canada: 
James, b. ^\i\x 29. 1833. Pecruiting Officer T". S. service, d. East 



ilisTOKY or THE TowN 01' Vi:\ii\ 197 

Boston,, July 1, IbGO ; Druzilla J., b. May -^i). Is;;;;, single. i{esi- 
dence, U7 Treulin St., E. Boston: Cliarlcs Uviivy, 1.. (Jet. "i, 1835. 
Fj-aucis, the parent, died East Jioston, Uet. (i, 18G4, ae. T-t yrs. 
This mail tirst settk'd at J'^. I'eru. ITis larni adjoined the DesJion 
I'anii on the north. i*'deven chihlren were born hen'. Tiie widow, 
]jydia S. Jjunt, d. E. Boston, 1870. ('lias. Henry J^unt in. Jane 
Cunningham of MontviUe, i\Ie. Tlieir son, Edward B., m. Chira 
Swift in j'aris. They have a son. liesidence of Clias. H. is Mont- 
vilie. Me. 

Daniel Eunt. b. J'\'l). K, 181."), son of Erancis and Eydia Eunt, 
m. Jane (iardner of Bnektield in 184"^ at lier sister's in Newburgli, 
Mv. Cliildren: — ifary Jane, b. JSTcwbnrg, Dec. 2'S, 184-;?, ni. Oct. 
:n, 1S!)7 in nam])den. James E- t, now in Bangor; C'ohnnbia G., 
b. in Xewburgh. July IJ, 184."). m. in Eyiin, Mass., Apr. Vi, 18T1, 
Praneis Sargent of Eynn : Jojm (i. Jjunt, b. ^la}' !». 1847, d. 1849. 
Jane, the wife of Daniel, d. Jan. 10. 18(Jl. Daniel m. 2nd, Rhoda 
Staples of Hampden; had two ehildren. Abbie J., b. Feb. 2, 1861, 
m. J']lliott, had son. J^^lliott d. three years after mai'riage. Widow 
m. Joe Baker of Xewburgh. James B. Jjunt, b. Aug. 18, 18(Ki, m. 
Miss Maloney. Besidence, Portland. Daniel Emit, the parent, d. 
in Xewburgh, Xov. 8. 18(3 E 

Bartholoinew. the son of Daniel by •;?nd wife, m. llnldah Jep- 
son and had thn-e children, (ico.. d. at ^Vestbl■ool^', m. and his 
cliildren went West; Mary, m. Allen lEimlin and they went A\'est : 
William, b. Mar. 5, l^-^.") in Berwick. AE'., m. Miria ('. Celley. lie 
d. Apr. Ei. EH)() in Eaimington. Wile d. Julv !). E)()-E ae. ; 7 
yrs. 'I'hree ehildren: — Fred, b. Se)it. 1(), ES.")(). liesideiue, Earm- 
ington, m. Villa Berry: (ieorge, b. July 4, 18()0. m. Addie llosnier 
of Farmington, they have tlii'ee children; Oscar II., b. ^Iny "ii). 
18<)(i, m. Eilla M. Eocke of Fai'miugton, ha\f dan.. Claude. 

JJobert B. Ennt. m. Aug. ES. I8."j0. Celia J)., i). ^\'ayne. ilau. of 
Jfathaniel and Olevia (Walton) Atkins. Eobert B. died on home 
faini in rem, Sept. 8, 1888. riiildren : — Herbert H., Ij. Xov. 5, 
l8o3, m. Xov. 5, 1880, Xaomi V. Taylor of Canton. Their son, 
Eeo W., was b. Mar. 2. 1891; Willis A., b. Dec. S, ES.-)(;. d. un- 
married. Sept. ;>0, ISS-i; Addif :\fay. b. Feb. 2\. ISlU. m. ]^\)2. 
Herbert Jordan, divorced 190E 'I'licir children are: — W'lw. E.. Ii. 
Feb. (), 1895; Morris A., b. April 19(11 : Cora Emma Lunt. b. Ai)ril 
1!), ISC'), ui. (ieorge Y\'. Ci'ockett. E\'sidence, Dixficld. 4'liey have 
son, Arthur W. 

John S. Eunt m. July 20. ES5E Klvira E., b. l\'ru, Aug. 25, 
1H22. dau. of Tmeworlliv and i'i-i>cill;i ( Boval ) Thurston. .lohn 



198 History of the Toavn of Peru. 

S. Luiit was Pvt., Co. C, 56 Mass. Iiil'., Vols., War if 18Gi. Chil- 
dren: — Priscilla, Clara A., b. Marcli 6, 1853, m. Frank E. Kidder, 
son of John, of Uixfield, b. x\pr. 12, 1851, d. Peru, Sept. 2S, 1891. 
Their children are : — Bert C. and Mary H. ; George W. Lunt, b. Oct. 
20, 1851, d. Jan. 31, 1863 ; Eose S., b. Aug. 16, 1856, m. Mar. 2, 
1878, Joseph P. Blackwell. Kesidencc, Livermore Falls. Their 
children : — John L., Elvira P., Lilla S. twin of Eose S., d. July 12, 
1862, Emily F., b. Nov. 23, 1857, m. Henry F. Whittemore. 
Child: — ^Leon K. Eesidence, Livermore Falls. John Franz S., b. 
July 22, 1861, d. Mar. 23, 1890. Ulysses G., b. during war; his 
father i-amed him w^hile in the army. John S. Lunt d. in Dix- 
field, Oct. 2, 1881, a zealous CJnistian. A^Hiiile wasting with 
tubercular consumption, his soul expanded to liigher life, enjoy- 
ing seasons of refreshing grace of God, as members of the family 
led by the organ, rendered a familiar hymn. This was a Christian 
family. Elvira P. Lunt d. Dec. 8, 1900 in Peru. Ulysses G. m. 
Lizzie L. Soper, widow. 

Eunice Lunt, b. Oct. 23, 1821, d. Aug. 18, 1803, m. around 
18^2, Cyrus A. Keene, a brother of Lucius Keene, in Peru. They 
lived on what is a part of the Wm. Gillespie farm. Children : — 
Geo. W., b. Nov. 18, 1843, d. Mar. 15, 1846; Alpha L., b. Aug. 27, 
1845, d. Aug. 6, 1872, at East Boston; John S., res. Waltham, 
b. Mar. 13, 1848, m. Euth Tilton of Lowell, Mass., had child, 
Minnie T., b. Dec. 21, 1879; Ella G., 1). June 10, 1851, residence in 
Somerville; Cora E., b. July 29, 1854, d. Maf. 4, 1906, South Paris. 
Parent Cyrus d. Aug. 6, 1854. Widow m. 2nd, Apr. 4, 1857, 
Llewellyn AViiig of Wayne. Eesidence, in Paris. Born Xov. 17, 
1819, d. Oct. 21, 1881. Children :—Eossie H., b. Aug. 27, 1859, m. 
Sept. 17, 1884, Isaac J. Monk. Tavo children :— Alfred G., b. Aug. 
8, 1885, Merle J., b. Aug. 30, 1892; Jennie C, b. Mar. 21, 1861, m. 
Aug. 20, 1879, Geo. M. Giles. Two children :— Addie L., b. July 
16, 1883; Charlotte W., b. July 9, 1886. This family reside at 
South Paris, Me. ; Grant S. Wing, h. Apr. 12, 1865, d. May 24, 1883. 

Francis Lunt, Jr., b. Nov. 21, 1823, m. Ann Jennison, AYaltham. 
He d. 1900. Cliildren of Lodicia H. and E. Warren Smith: — 
AVarren C. B., b. Oct. 10, 1857, d. Dec. (i, 1857: John C. Bradford 
Smith, m. Oct. 3, 1883, Ida A., dau. of Geo. F. Blood; no issue. 
E. AYarren Smith d. Address of above is in winter. Hotel Bartol, 
Boston, Mass. The rest of year, Salem Willows, Mass. 

Geo. W. Lunt, the 2nd son of Capt. Daniel, by 2nd wife, m. 1st 
around 1823, Harriet Bacon, b. Falmouth. Children: — Mary Ann. 
b. Feb. 7, 1821, d. May 6, 1851: Zclia Augusta, b. May 13. 1825, 



History of the Town of Peru. 199 

d. Sept. 30, 189D. Wife Harriet d. 1858. Marriages:— Mary A. 
m. Henry B. ^Yalker, had a son who d. young; Zelia A. m. Henry 
B. Walker, had five chiklren. Calvin S., b. Sept. 28, 1855, d. Jan. 
8, 1898, unmarried; Edward S., b. Aug. 12, 1857, m. Mary J. 
Haw'kes, Westbrook; Henry P., b. N"ov. 17, 1859, ni. Xettie Koberts, 
Westbrook. Husband d. Oct. 25, 1907. Have one child, Marion; 
Chas. B., b. Jan. G, 1864; Ernest, b. Apr. 17, 1866, both drowned 
in Presunipscott river. Mar. 30, 1872. Edward S. Walker, farmer 
and cattle dealer, Westbrook. Burial of Geo. W. Lunt, on last 
named Walker's fami. Henry P. Walker was a member of the 
customs house, Portland, I\Ie. AVriter has his letter to J. F. Hall 
saying, '^"We have some papers and Avritings of Capt. Daniel ]-,unt; 
and a history of Westbrook published in a local pajjer some 10 years 
ago. It contained several extracts from his records that are in- 
teresting. One is an invitation to Capt. Daniel Lunt to attend a 
dinner party, signed by Geo. Washington." Geo. W. Lunt m. 2ud 
in Peru, Mar. 13, 1862, Deborah H. Hall, widow of Elbridge Hall. 
They parted in a few years. 

Lovejoy Family 

The Lovejoys of Wayne and Fayette descended from John 
Lovejoy of Andover, Mass., one of the first freeholders of the State. 
His great grandsons, Hezekiah and Francis, moved to Amherst, 
N. H., where the former reared a family of eight children. The 
oldest was Lieut. John Lovejoy, who moved to Wayne in 1795. 
Francis moved to Albion, where were born his famous grandsons, 
Elijah P. and Owen Lovejoy. The former lost his life while de- 
fending the cause of anti-slavery at Alton, 111. Owen Lovejoy 
cliampioned the same cause in Congress with eloquence, during tlie 
days when an abolitionist was almost an outlaw. 

Hezekiah and son John served faithfully and with honor in the 
Revolutionary army. Their fortunes were lost in the vicissitudes 
of war, and the financial stress following, leading them to emigi-ate 
to Maine and begin anew. Capt. Hezekiah prospected in the vi- 
cinity of Wa^Tie and soon after Lieut. John Lovejoy with his wife 
^Martha Odell and eight children moved from Amherst, X. H. to 
Fayette, Me., making the journey of 200 miles in an oxcart, where 
he Ijought a tract of land containing 200 e.cres. The oldest son, 
Joim, Jr., m. one of the Jennings family. Our enterprising fellow 
townsman came of this race of Lovejoys. We regret that we are 
unable to trace his lineage direct. Some one of tlie Johns was liis 



"200 HisToiiV OF 'nil'; 'Town oi' Pi:i;r. 

Iiiiele. Benjaiiiiii J^ovejuy wa- one of I lie imniici])al officers of the 
town olt' and ou man}' years, ile ])os<e.ssed sound judgment and 
keen penetration, was smart and sharp in a trade hut lionest and 
hoiiorahle. He died in Second Advent faith. At his request IJev. 
Edward Jlaggett oi' l^ivermore preached liis funeral sermon. 

Ca])t. Hezekiah's signature is affixed to various papers on church 
and state nuitters. He was several times on tlie committee to pro- 
'Cure soldiers for tlie Continental Army, and \\'ari chossen on the com- 
imittee of safety from 1777 to 1781, also a committee to examine tlie 
'Constitution of the State and to approve and adopt a new one. 
Becords show the early Lovejoys of this race to have heen men of 
ahilitv, integrity and wisdom to whom the people in trying times 
•confided the interests of church, colony and country. 

x\mong the earliest pioneers of Loxejoys from Wayne ahd 
Tayette was the family of Hezekiah and Hannah (Atkins) Love- 
:jo3'. Hezekiah, b. Mar. 18, 1777,, m. Jan. 1794:, Hannah Atkins, b. 
Mar. 10, 1773, d. Feb. 8, 1841). Family moved to Franklin Plan. 
1818 and to Peru 1835. Children :— Hannah, h. June IG, i;!)4, d. 
Peb. 3, 1849: Lydia, b. June 19, 1796; Eliza, b. Apr. 14:, 1798, m. 
Paul Hamiuon, d. Dec. 18, 1882; Pollins. b. Oct. 4, 1800; Benja- 
min, b. May o. 1804 in Fayette, Me.; Sally P., b. Xov. "M, 1807. 
m. Daniel Hall from Pumford; Odcll, b. Dec. 13, 1809. m. Posella 
Pillsbury, Sumner; Celia A.. 1). Aug. 1, 18P3, m. Joseph Hutchin- 
son, d. May 2G, 1845. Benjamin Eovejoy 1). in Fayette, Me., May 
■5, 1804, was a prominent man in town nearly half a centuj->-. His 
leading occupation was farmer, located on Lovejoy Hill, l)ig enough 
for a mountain, and part of the range extendiiig to Franklin in its 
dav. Ue raised up a faririly of seven chihh-en, hired nnicli farm 
lielp. and filled large barns with hay vni with the hand scythe. He 
farmed under the old methods, and exce|>1 <lui'ing the war and a 
few years al'tei-. farm ])roducts were low: yef he nuide farming pay 
He accumulated from products of farm and left to he divided 
among his heirs living at his death. Jan. 5. ISTS. more dollars than 
anv other farmer ever obtained by same means in Peru. The most 
liberal estimate of liis property,' it has been said, would not have 
exceeded ton tlio\isand dollars, a sum less than a fourth of it. 

Benjamin Lovejoy 

Benjamin Povejoy ui. Dec. 1, l.S'^7. ^lary TP, b. ^lonmouth, 

sister of Demus ami dau. of Jesse Bishop. Wife d. Feb. 17, 1890, 

■in 86th vear. Children: — Hannah B. L.)vejoy, b. June 1. 1828. 



lIisroKV OF TK!-. Towx OF Peklj. ■BOl 

111. Demus F. Bishup; I'llias Ilntcliins, b. Feb. 21, iHoO ; Isabel B., 
b. Oct. IT, 1831, 111. Fiedeiick A. Bastow, son of IJobert; Luev B., 
b. Oct. 6, 1833, 111. Henry IJowe; Benjamin Melvin, b. Mar. 31, 
183o, did not marry; George Hopkins, b. Aug. 15, 1837, d. Sept. 
10, 18T-^; Josejih Huteb.inson, b. July 30, 1841, m. Ellen Keene. 
Elias H. Lovejoy m. 1st. Jan. '^8, 18.35, Caroline, b. May 8, 1830, d. 
Feb. 3, 1882, dau; of ('a])t. :i-:ihanan \Y. Ford of Dickvale. Chil- 
dren: — Benjamin, b. m. Jan. 2d, 1884, Ada B., dau. of Jacob B. 
Peav}' of Dickvale, no issue. Residence, lid. Falls. In grocery 
store: Ellas H.. Jr.. b. Dec. 23, 18G9, m. Dec. 19, 1888, Jennie, 
dau. of Alnion Farrar; Carrie, 1). Mar. 5, 1872, d. Jan. 14, 1881. 
Eesidence of Ellas H., Jr., Dickvale. Elias H. m. 2nd, Apr. 24, 
1884, Emily W.. dau. of Addison Lane of Melrose, ]\Iass. Their 
son Fred, was living at Dickvale. Wife Emily W. d. June 28, 
1891. ae. 47 yrs. Mr. Lovejoy m. 3d, Dec. 27, 1891, Julia A. Farn- 
ham, \.'idow. He d. Dec. 17, 1892. T\y- subject of this sketch was 
an able business man, a farmer and drover, of gentle and pleasing 
disposition, a good neighbor and highly esteemed by all. 

Joseph H. Lovejoy m. Pub., Oct. 20, 1863, Ellen, b. Abingtou, 
Jan. 20, 184(). dau. of Lm-ius Keene, b. Sumner and Abbie Eowe, 
b. Hel)ron. Wife d. Aug. 15, 1903. Children :— Lucius, ]). Dec. 
17, 1808, m. Addie E.. dau. of Milo Morrill. They have son. Alton 
L. : .1. Alton, b. Sept. 9. 1875, d. Aug. 19, 1885. Mr. Lovejoy and 
son are forehanded farmers on the old homestead. They do quite 
extensive fruit growing and stock raising with other line? of fai'in- 
ing. The head of this family has served on jury an<l would be 
I'l'ominent in town affairs, but for his choice of home life exclusive- 
ly. Geo. Hopkins Lovejoy, b. Aug. 15, 1837, m. May 22. 18fi5, Sai-- 
ali A. Hainmon, widow of Elisha Benson Hanimon. He d. in Pcihi 
on a visit, Sept. 10, 1872. Wife d. at Xorth Monmouth. Buried 
at E. Livermore. Their children: — ^lary Jennett, 1). July :i. ISin;. 
did not m., d. in Auburn; Frederick B., b. Apr. 5, 1868, d. Api-. 1. 
1870; Edna. b. around 1870, m. 

Azel Ijovejoy was a brother of Hezekiah. He married Mercy 
Wing, sister to Stephen and Peuben Wing. Their sons were Jacob, 
b. 1827 and Azel. Jr. Thcv were talented, born with and)ition to 
fill a higher sphere than tillers of earth. There crops out the 
genius of progenitors, generations before. Jacob was bereft of his 
hoiiic by death and went to live with his aunt. Sarah I?.. witV' of 
school, these sons were noted for seliolarly attainments and oratori- 
c?.l proclivities early in their ti'ciis. Jacob Lovejov, b. 1827, d. at 
Bangor. Feb. 27. 1863. He chose law for his p^o^es^ion. was in 



202 History of Tiiii; Towx of Pfeu. 

practice at Bangor se\eral years. He read law for hard study and 
wrote poetry for recreation. He was another of Peru's talented 
young men who struggled against poverty and worked his way up 
unaided to eminence in profession. He became an able jurist in 
the few years of his profession. He m. Sept. 2, 1852, Sally W., b. 
Jan. 2, 1829, dau. of James Lunt. Wife d. May 5, 1866. Child 
Jacob, Jr., d. June 30, 1863, ae. 10 mos. Of three daughters, Myrth 
d., interred E. Peru, in family lot. Others were Mrs. Harriet 
Grieves, Peterboro, N. H. and Mrs. Coi-a Berry, Foxboro, Mass. 
All Ave can learn of Azel, -Jr., he \-:".t town and became a Free 
Baptist minister. 

The long line and numerous branches of tliis race of Lovejoys 
are descendants of the Lovejoys mentioned in Fayette and Wayne. 
We trace one branch of those of Peru and Franklin to one Jacob 
Lovejoy, who m. Mehitable Wing, a sister to Stephen W^ing. Chil- 
dren: — Eeuben, Ezekiel, Christopher, Gardner, Lydia, Charlotte. 
Eeuben, the oldest son, m. Apr. 11, 1822, Martha Eedin. Ezekiel 
m. 1st, Mar. 1, 1832, Lucretia or Lucinda Dorr, then spelled Door. 
Children: — Charles H., Jacob, Clarinda. Wife d. He m. 2nd, 
Jane Hopkins. Wife d. He in. od in 18i2-3, Mary Elizabeth, 
dau. of AYhceler and Nancy Tracy. Child: — Drill E., b. Aug. 18, 
1845. Ezekiel enlisted in the Mexican War 1845, the last known 
of him. His last wife d. April 15, 1850, ae. 25 yrs. Christopher 
F., m. Dec. 31, 1840, Betsey, dau. of Seth Burgess. Charles H. 
m. May 5, 1858, Deborah H., dan. of John Burgess. Children: — 
Ora Allu]'as, b. Feb. 11, 1859; Roscoe L., 1). Feb. 28. I860: Savilla 
Maria, b. Mar. 25, 1868. 

Gardner Lovejoy b. around ISO!), d. Mar. 23, 18!)9. m. 1st, 
Sally. I), arouiid 1812, d. 1834. dau. ol' Samuel Burgess, l»y his 
first wife. Children :— Samuel, b. Oct. 3, 1828, d. Sept. I(;."l901, 
m. Sarah, dau. of Brackett Wyman of Temple; Mehitable. b. Mar. 
15, 1830. m. Daniel F. Haines. Gardner Lovejoy m. 2nd. Laoma 
b. Aug. 23, 1816, d. July 11, 1862, dau. of Setli Burgess. Chil- 
dren: — Juliette, b. Dec. 8, 1813, m. Benj. I^ord, Apr. 16. 1850; 
Ann; T^ouise T., b. Mar. 23, 1851. Gardner Lovejoy was mus- 
lered V. S. service Sept. 1861, Co. D, 12th Me., discharged for dis- 
ability 1863. His wife having died pending service, he m. 3d, 
Aug. 15, 1864. Cordelia B., b. May 1835, rl. July 31, 1900. dau. of 
Stephen L. AVing. JTe d. March 23, 1899. at his small cabin 
adjoining the Otio Wyraan farm. Childi'en of Samuel aiid Sarah 
(Wyman) Lovejoy: — Emma S., m. Henry Eoscoe Burgess; Cora 
E., m. Oscar Frost; Pose, m. Chas. I./eavitt; Xellie B., rn. Charles 



History of the Town of Peru. 303 

iST. Child; Melvin, in. Florence M. Frost, had son William. Wife 
d. Ho m. 2nd, Eflie, dau. of Charles F. Haines, son of Edward W. 

Levi Ludden 

Considerable space is allotted to this family, among the first 
settlers of West Peru. Capt. Levi Ludden, b. 1777, d. at Dixfield 
around 1854, came from Turner, first on record of Peru, Mar. 
2 and Apr, 6, 1818. He and wife Phebe, and four children all 
except Timoth}', were in tmvn in 1821. Child, Wni. S., b. July 
23, 1800, m. Apr. 22, 1822, Mary S. Berry of Buckfield. He d. on 
the Noah Hall place, Apr. 30, 1852. Their offspring were: — Ke- 
member Saul, b. Aug. 18, 1823. m. Jan. 1, 1845, John D. Fernald; 
Phebe S., b. July 31, 1828, m. Pub., Aug. 27, 1848, Angier J. 
Mitchell of Peru, moved to Dixfield; Lucy J., b. Nov. 4, 1830. d. 
Oct. 27, 1833; Lydia J., h. :\ray 21. 1832, m. Sept. 23, 1854, Mr. 
Eecord; Florilla W., b. 13ec. 8, 1834, m. Noah Hall. Sarali, the 
second child of Levi, was b. Feb. 2, 1805, m. Mar. 19, 1820. Silas 
Putnam from Sutton, Mass., probably a brother to Stephen Put- 
nam, the grist mill owner at West Peru. Remember S. Ludden, the 
fourth child of Levi, b. Aug. 27, 1809, m. Wm. Mitchell *of Dix- 
field. Lydia, the fifth and last, m. Wm. Tucker. Children of 
Timothy and Bethiah (Fobes) Ludden were: — Levi, b. Mar. 21, 
1833, left town when young; Delphan T., b. Sept. 16, 1835, m. 
Levi C. Hamblin, d. Feb. 12, 1881. Capt. Ludden's 1st wife died, 
he m. 2nd, widow Sheffield, the mother of Daniel Sheffield. He 
lived with her and died at Dixfield Vill. Timothy Ludden l)uilt 
the farm buildings and first settled on Daniel Fletcher farm, prob- 
ably about the time of his first marriage to Bethia Fobes, Apr. 10. 
1831. He was then aJjout 25 yrs. of age. He was tlie second son 
of Levi and Phebe Ludden. 

Another branch of the Lu(kleu family now represented in Peru, 
descended from Jacob Tiuddeu, a brother to Levi, who moved from 
Turner to Canton in 1817 and settled. His son John S., born in 
1805. m. Ann Treat of Canton. They lived and died in Dixfield 
and had three children. One of tliem, John M., m. Elevene J. Car- 
ver, 1st wife. Their children are: — Chas. M., Forest E. and AA'm. 
E., all lawyers, two in Boston, one in Lewiston. Mrs. Jolm ^L 
Ludden died. Mr. Ludden ni. 2nd, Josephine S. Stowell. widoAv. 
They reside on the Levi Lunt farm. Mr. Ludden is an upright, 
highly respected citizen. Mrs. Ludden's children by Stowell are: — 
Herbert S., Porter and Helen J. The dau. m. Lnvewell Oldham. 



204 HisTOiiV OF Till:: Town of Pi;i!r. 

Libby 

Linus A., sou of Geo. H. Lihln;. ui. Apr. 14, 1911, Xc41io M. 
Mclutivc, divorced, dau. of Johu A. I'utnani. both of Peru. 

Peter Morrill 

Peter :\I()rrill, b. in Paluiouth, ^shxr. 4, 1800, d. May 4, 1875 in 
Sumner. He was the sou of Enoch and Tiiankful (\Yilson) Mor- 
rill. Peter m. ]st, Salh' Ford in Sumner and had two children, 
Wilson Morrill, b. Aug". 17, 18'.^4, and went West around 1855. 
Thank I'u], 1). Aug. 5, 1830 in Sumner. This famil}' moved to Peru 
in 1831 where wife d., Dec. 183-?. Mr. Morrill followed the trade 
of carpenter, and was school teacher many year>]. He lived on the 
Adam Knight farm. lie m. 2nd, Ap^'. 1, 1835, Priscilla, dau. of 
Wm. AValton, l)y 1st wife, Lucy. They had wn, Wm. Horace, h. 
Sept. 11, 1837, d. 1903. They moved to AVesibrook in 1844, where 
last wife died, ae. 71 yrs., in 18()6. Mr. Morrill removed to Sum- 
ner soon after iier deatli. Tiiankful Moi'rill m. Apr. 25, 1849, 
Jolni Fessenden of Portland, b. Jan. 24, 1827, son of John and 
Bettry Crockett, the former h. in Lexington, Mass., and the latter 
b. in Cape Elizabetli. Children: — Francis H., b. and d. in Port- 
land, ae. about IV^ years.; John E., b. 1857, d. 1864 at Mechanic 
Falls: Lizzie M., b. July IL 18(V^: John W., b. July 2, 1868: 
Emily C, b. July 3, 1870, all living b. at ileclianic Falls, where 
parents still reside. Mr. Fessenden, by trade, is a mason. He is 
j)ast S3 yrs. old, ^mart :-.nd spiy. Wife in her SOtli year, ^'till ac- 
tive at work. ])otli show old time vigor. 

Wm. Horace Morrill, b. in Peru, m. Apr. IG, 1868, Ellen Berry 
of Mechanic Falls. Wife d. at Wostbrook, Apr. 18, 1896 and hus- 
1)and d. thei-e seven years after. (*hildrcn: — Carrie, b. Sumner, 
■0(4. 1(5. 1869, (1. Haverhill, Mass., 1878; Millie, b. Sumner, Xov. 
20, 187-^, d. Haverhill, 1873. Wilson Morrill m. 1st, Oct. 1850, 
Mary E. Moody ..f Mechanic Falls. Their son, Melville AV.. was b. 
Mar. 1, 185-:;. Wife d. Oct. 1853. :\rr. Morrill went West in 
1854 or 1855. Xo knowledge of second marriage. He m. third 
wife in 1858. The son. ]^relville W.. m. Oct. 22, 1881, Etta F. 
Hanson ol" Mechanic Falls. Children: — Herman M., b. Dec. 1?, 
1883: Palph H., b Vuly 19, 1886. both l)ookkeepers. Mother d. 
Apr. 10, 1890. Marriage of Fessenden children: -Lizzie M. m. E. 
H. Holbrook, farmer at Mechanic Falls; Jolro. W. m. Nellie G. 
Grant in Afeebanic Falls. Occupation, painter and paper hanger. 
Two sons living; Emily C. m. Frank A. Herrick in Mecbanic Falls. 



History of the Town of Peru. 205 

He is paper finisher. One son. Melviile Morrill ni. :<?ud, Mar. 
27, 1910, Alice Tinkhaui of Mechanic Falls. Seven sons and two 
daughters of Wilson ^lorrill are in. and have generally large fam- 
ilies of children living in Xebraska and Wisconsin. Want of space 
forbids further mention. 

Volentine Mathews 

Another soldier who did service in 1812-11: war and who sleeps 
in Franklin Cemetery was Volentine Mathews, b. in 1790, in what 
is now Sumner. He went from there or from Paris to seat of war. 
Tradition says he Avas in service with John Tuft, who, it is known, 
was in the engagement at battle of C'hamplain, land forces, under 
McCoon. ^lathews returned to Sumner ar.d thence to Franklin in 
1826, when his son Winthrop was three years old. Volentine 
Mathews m. ^STancy Moore, a sister to John Moore, one of the 
first settlers in the vicinity of Worthly Pond and the father of Mr. 
iN'ahum Moore, conductor on P. & P. F. Ey. Winthrop Mathews, 
b. July 26, 1823, d. Sept. 19, 1895, m. Cordelia P. Weaver, pros- 
perous farmers in Franklin Plantation, now annex to Peru. This 
man was styled Franklin's lawyer. The trend of his mind partook 
of judicial type. He was high minded and possessed good judg- 
ment. Children:— Arabella, b. May 26, 1849, d. Dec. -1, 1853; 
Arabella L., b. 1855, d. 1859; Chas. AV, b. 1857, d. 1861: Ells- 
worth, b. 1861, d. 1865; Chas. L., b. Oct. 8, 1859, m. Feb. 6, 1879, 
Rose, dau. of Chas. W. Child. She was b. Dec. 18, 1858, d. Apr. 
25, 1898. He m. 2nd, Dec. 25, 1905, Eva A. Dorr, dau. of Cyrus 
Dorr. Chas. L. Mathews is a shrewd, industrious farmer on his 
father's old farm. Other sisters of his father's family are Georgi- 
anna, who m. Seth Abbott in Eiimford; Eveline, m. Farnum El- 
liott, Rumford, d. 1905; Adelpha, m. Chas. Farnum. Residence, 
Runiford. 

Morrill 

Milo G. Morrill, b. in Canada, May 25, 1847, m. Elnora Jack- 
son. They are well to do farmers on the Mineral Spring Road ; 
does a flourishing business dairying and butcher. Children: — 
Ernest Eee, b. Feb. 18, 1869 ; Manley Gibbs, b. Apr. 20, 1871 ; Alma 
E., b. Feb. 6, 1877, d. Aug. 4, 1894; Fred G., m. Lucy F., dau. of 
Xathan Harlow; Addie E.. m. Lucius H. Lovejoy, have a son b. 
April 5, 1909. Lauriston R., farmer and butcher on home farm; 
Ernest L.,overseer cotton mill, Saco; Manley G., overseer cotton 
'mill. Conn.; Fred G., overseer cotton mill, Xorwich, Conn. 



208 History of tiii-; To\\'x of PKitr. 

Miller 

James \y. Millei", 1). Halifax, ]n. Olive X. Xorton, b. Xew 
Haven. Children :— Mabel L., ac. -^.^ m. :\Iay 16, 1907; Earl E., 
son of E. M. Howard; Pearl L., in. Aug-, "i;], 1909, Leon W. Child; 
Glenroy M., Evelyn C. Mr. Miller is a well-to-do farmer on the 
Samuel B. Knight farm and formerly the homestead of his fatlier, 
Merrill Knight, the bear hunter, who reared four sons and two 
daughters in a log house on this farm, and all have passed beyond 
the vale. 

Morrill 

Family of James and S3dvia (Eowe) Morrill. He d. 1870. 
Wife d. Jan. 8, 1909, ae. 93 years, 6 months, 19 days. Chil- 
dren: — Job R., m. Etta A., dau. of Thomas \Yyman, Their son, 
James Calley, b. farmers, Franklin Annex. Abbie H., m. Chas. 
G. Irish; he d. Oct., 1896, on Morrill Farm. Their dau., Jennie 
H., m. Xov. 30, 1907, Elbridge G. Child. Simeon, m. Naomi A. 
Cone; farmer and truckman, Dickvale. Wife d. June 29, 1908. 
Son, Chas. W., is express messenger, Bangor. 

Lawson Marsh 

The family of Lawson and Abigail Marsh lived on the farm of 
Wm. W. Gordon in 1840 to 1850. His wife was the dau. of 
Stephen Wing. Those remaining moved to Dixfield. Children : — 
Hiram, b. May 30, 1831; Wm. W., b. Xov. 6, 1833; Oii?.ndo, b. 
Oct. 26, 1835, went to California, m. around 1856, there when last 
kno^vn; Belzora, b. Dec. 19 1837, m. Xov. 2-4, 1859, John T. M. 
Leavitt in Dixfield; Martha Ann, b. Dec. 1, 1838. The above 

Leavitt died. Belzora m. (2nd) . Xext Belzora d. and 

Martha m. the widowed husl)and of Belzora, name unknown to 
writer. Emily J., b. Oct. 19, 1813, m. Mont Babb in Mexico; An- 
drew L., b. July 1, 1846; Lawson L., b. Dec.l2, 1851. 

Nathaniel Maybury 

Xathaniel and Aurile (Stockbridge) ]\Iabury were located on 
the river farm, subsequently the Wm. Bowers AValton farm. The 
territory is now occupied by a portion of the manufacturing and 
industrial section of Ed. Falls. Children :—AYm. J., b. Mar. 27, 
1858. A second son, imlmown. ]\Ir. ]\Laybury did some farming, 
some trucking and trafficking. He was a kind, obliging neighbor, 
social and genial. He removed, in the sixties or later, a few miles 
below Xorth Turner toll bridge, (.u the west bank of the Andros- 
coggin, where he operated a ferry. He d. there. 



HisTOKY OF Till': Towx 0¥ 1*j;ku. ■;;09 

Ashby Moody 

Asliby Moody and wife, Polly, dau. oJ; Abiai Laphaiii, caiue 
from Auburn in the forties and returned there in the sixties. His 
farm residence was on road from Eipley's mill to Xorth Hartford, 
above the Packard, now Irving Dean farm Children: — Jolm C, 
m. June, 1861, Eliza Jane, dau. of Ebenezer Burgess. They had 
son, Edwin A., b. June, 1S(S2. Wife d. 1865. Lydia M., m. Feb. 
11, 1817, Lot Sampson in Hartford. 

Leonard H. Maxim 

Peru's only resident regular M. D. was Leonard H. Maxim, a 
native of Wayne, a student at Kent's Hill, and a graduate at Bow- 
doin Medical College. He began practice at West Peru Vill. in 
late fifties. He showed skill in surgery and was quite successful 
in materia medica. He m. Mar. 18, 18G3, Laura E., dau. of Luther 
Jackson by his first wife. Their son, Charles C, b. Oct. 18, 1861, 
d. Aug. 2, 1863. Wife d. Feb. 6, 1863, Ae. 20 years, 7 months. 
The doctor Avas popular as a citizen. He served the town as super- 
visor -of schools in connection with liis profession. He moved to 
Hartford and m. (2nd) Pub. Aug. 22, 1861, ILarriet B. Thompson 
(widow), carrying on wife's farm, and iu practice the remainder of 
life. 

David Morse 

David Morse, b. June 7, 1805, m. at Otisiield, Me., Jan. 1, 1833, 
Sarah S. Morton, b. Mar. 28, 1813. Soon after their marriage they 
settled in Andover Xoi'th Surplus, on a lot of wild land, and began 
to make them a home, making a clearing and erecting rude build- 
ings. They continued there about thirty-five years, and had twelve 
children. Three were soldiers in war of '61. Of these, Charles 
P. Morse was a Corp. in Co. A, 12th Eegt., Me. Vols. He was 
taken prisoner at battle of Winchester, Sept. 19, 1864, was paroled, 
and arrived at Annapolis Hosp., and there granted a furlough to 
go to his home in Andover, where he arrived in x^ovember, 1864, 
sick with chronic diarrhoea and effects of confinement in rebel 
prison. His death followed in 18 days. The following are a part 
of the other children : — Frances L., b. May 3, 1843 ; Mathias M., 
b. Sept. 27, 1845; Jane M., b. Sept. 3, 1847; Ellen, b. Apr. 3, 1849; 
Louisa, b. July 5, 1851; Lizzie A., b. June 2, 1853; Frank W., b. 
Dec. 4, 1855. They sold farm and removed to Franklin Planta- 
tion about 1S68, and from there to Peru, to a small jilace adjoining 



210 HiSTOKY OF THE TOWX OF PeRU. 

the Eipley Knox farm, across the highwa}' from Daniel Fletcher 
farm, in 1872, June 12, 1888, Mrs. Morse was granted a pension 
as dependent mother of Chas. P. She was then past 75 years old. 
She d. in Peru, Jan. 13, 1895, Ae. 83 years, 10 months. Their 
son, Frank W., m. June 25, 1886, Laura A., widow of Edwin 
Austin and dau. of Cyrus and Dorcas Burgess. They were success- 
ors on the farm. 

Mitchell 

Peleg Mitchell, m. Caroline Bradford in Turner. They moved 
onto Eobinson Turner farm adjoining Canton in spring of 1839. 
He bore the title of Capt. of State Militia. He enlisted Pvt., Co. 
D, 16th Me., Sept. 11, 1863, Ae. 44, d. in Hosp. at Washington, 
D. C, Dec. 19, 1863. Children :— Jenette L. b. in Buckfield. Mar. 
10, 1833, m. Chas. F. Deshon; Harriet, m. Samuel S. Hall in Ver- 
million, Laselle Co., 111.; Wm., Jason, Silas. 

Newton 

Prominent among the early settlers around Dix field Common 
were Newton families. On the side of the mountain range known 
as "Burnt Hill," overlooking the Androscoggin, there stood the 
farm buildings of Abraham ^STewton. Here he lived, reared chil- 
dren and continued through life. He m. Lorinda, dau. of Levi 
Newton, who drove a truck team of four oxen, hauling goods from 
Hallowell several years. Their son, Walter Scott, was the first 
representative of this race, who settled in Peru soon after his mar- 
riage, locating at the Centre, near the meeting house. The other 
son, Abraham, Jr., settled at Canton. Their home was broken up 
by the death of parent Abraham around 1843 or 1844. Widow 
remarried, Bartholomew Conant, Apr., 1844, and the homestead 
was abandoned not long after. Abraham, Sr., was a brother to 
Estes Newton. His son, Orrison E., moved to Peru after close of 
war. Eecords show he joined the Baptist, church there Aug. 19, 
1876. Abraham, Jr., married, was jMust. Co. C, 16th Me., Aug. 
14, 1862, from Canton, taken prisoner July 1, 1863, ret. to Co.; 
discharged by order May 22, 1865. 

Orrison Eipley NeAvton was b. in.Dixfield around 1839. He 
enlisted Nov. 15, 1861, ae. 22 years, single, in Co. D, 12th Eegt., 
Me. Vols., Pvt., and was honorably discharged. He m. in Dixfield, 
Sept. 26, 1865, Maria M., b. aroimd 1841, widow of his brother, 
Geo. H. Newton. He d. in Peru, Nov. 30, 1879, at Centre, where 
he had worked a few years, a blacksmith giving general satisfac- 



History of the Town of Peru. 211 

tion. Mrs. Newton had no issue by her first husband. Chil- 
dren : — Henry 0., b. July 21, 1866, was a promising A^outh, learned 
trade of barber, working on Paris Hill, where he d. in his teens, of 
consumption; Elton S., b. Aug. 15, 1868; Lillian A., b. July 3, 
18T0, d. Mar. 13, 1879; Maurice A., b. Jan. 3, 1875. He is mar- 
ried; residence, Paris Hill, where he does job work, making a good 
living. 0. R. Newton contracted disease in arm}'' that culminated 
his career. His widow was pensioned, continuing till her mar- 
riage, July 24, 1880, to Geo. AY. Garland in Paris. They had one 
dau., now living. Garland d. July 4, 1897 ; widow remarried, Maj' 

4, 1901, Alvan M. Ryerson, an old soldier. He d. May 16, 1903, 
and widow was pensioned for last husband, and still living, at last 
accounts, at her Gai'land home, Paris Hill, 

Elton S. Newton, son of Orrison E. and Maria ]\I., b. in Peru, 
Aug. 15, 1868, m. A^elma L., b. Sept. 8, 1869, dau. of Marcellus 

5. and Sarah "W. Atkins. Children :— Kate Louise, ae. 17 years, 
m. Apr. 23, 1909, Walter J. L. Seavery of Auburn, ae. 17 years, 
a shoemaker. Born to wife, Aug. 4, 1909, a son. Elton S. New- 
ton lias 1)een the leading blacksmith at West Peru about twenty 
years. 

Walter Scott Newton, b. Sept. 8, 1837, m. in Peru, 1831, Ab- 
bie G., dau. of Winslow Walker. He enlisted, Aug. 14, 1862, in 
Co. C, 16th Me. Vols., was discharged for disability, Feb. 13, 1863. 
He d. at Peru Cent., Nov. 10, 1870. Widow remarried, Oct. 1, 
1876, Samuel F. Robinson. She d. Oct. 16, 1880, at Peru Cent. 
Children :— Alfred Walter Newton, b. July 16, 1861: Fred Grant, 
b. May 5, 1864, m. Mar. 31, 1883, Matilda Corenna, dau. of A. K. 
Knight, had son, Roy. Wife left husband, got a bill of divorce, 
October, 1906; both remarried. Russell Andrew, b. Sept. 24, 1866, 
single, roving res. Winslow Perley, b. Sept. 29, 1868. Fannie 
Grace, b. Feb. 13, 1870, m. Nov. 10. 1889, Volentine C. Neal, in 
East Livermore. They are well-to-do farmers. No issue. 

Alfred Walter Newton, m. May 11, 1895, Abbie A. Lewis, dau. 
of Arthur Lewis of Boothbay, Me. She was b. Jan. 19, 1870. 
Res., No. 12 Bearce St., Auburn, Me. Mr. Newton has been a 
workman in shoe shops in town several years. He is a man of 
good repute, a credit to his ancestry and nativity. He is employed 
in Field's shoe shop, 1910. This is a fine family and prosperous. 
Children :— Stella M., b. May 21, 1896; Harold W., b. Aug. 20, 
1898; Lewis, b. May 18, 1901. 

Winslow Perley Newton, m. Dec. 11, 1893, Bertha Rowe, b. in 
Maryland, Sept. 25, 1876, dau. of David M. Rowe. They are farm- 



'!Vi lIisTOKV oi- Tin: Towx of I'eklt. 

ers, ill good iR'allli niid prosperous. Uliildren: — Alta G., b. Sept. 
8, 1895; and David ,S., b. June 13, 1U06; res., Touica, 111.; reputa- 
tion good. 

Fred Grant Xewton remarried. Keeps a small stock of goods 
in trade at DixlLeld A'ill. Abbie G. oS^ewton, mother of these sons, 
joined the Baptist cliurch in March, 1866. Samuel F. Eobinson 
was admitted to same church b}'' letter, A2')r. 14, 1877. 

Sumner R. Newell 

Sumner E. Newell, b. Mar. -1, 1811, d. July 11, 1875 came from 
Sumner, m. Dec. 6, 1832, Mahala, b. July 16, 1809, d. Feb. 25, 
1875, dau. of Wm. AValton by first wife. Tliis family first located 
at East Peru A'ill., on the soutli l)an]v of Mill brook, being the out- 
let of Worthly potid, one mile west. This Vill. was then called 
AA^ormeH's Mills. Family removed to Brody Bailev' neiglibor- 
hood, and located on a liill farm on road leading from "two mile 
tree" on ^'TnTcw Gounty Eoad" to Bailey farm. Mr. Newell was 
fai'mer and school master many years. One of his qualifications 
was elegant j^enmanship. This secured for him in early seA'enties 
the office of register of deeds of the county, which he held till his 
death, on Paris Hill, where the coui't house then was. Children:— 
S,ybil P., 1). Nov. 22, 1833, m. Adrian Gammon; Sumner Edwin, b. 
June 27. 1835; Mahala Eoseline, b. Apr. 22. 1837, m. Pub., Jan. 
28, 1867. Virgil P. Eichards of Eoxbury, Me. Wife d. Feb. 18, 
1901, in Gridley, Butte Co., Cal. Eoscoe G. Newell, b. Mar. 27, 
1810. He was a precocious youth, smart and active, above the 
average. He served in the 11th Eegt. Mass. Vols., Co. I. in war 
of '61. He m. Pub., Dec. I, 1864, Lucy A., dau. of Daniel W. 
Fobes. He d. Feb. 25, 1870, in Dover, Morris Co., N. J., Avhere 
he Avas employed in a store. Irville Lesley, b. Mar. 14, 1843, d. 
Mar. 3, 1854; Wm. AYalton, b. Feb. 9, 1845. d. Sept. 21. 1845; 
Flora Arabclle. b. Oct. 18, 1846, d. Dec. 13, 1S5S. 

Eoscoe G. Newell Avon the confidence and high esteem of his 
employer after a fcAV years' service in hi? store. His employer 
Avas al)nut to make him a partner of the firm. Avhen he Avas stricken 
Avith a sudden attack of sickness that pi-oved fatal in a short time. 

Sumner Edwin, m. ]\fary Annette, dau. of Stephen D. Hut- 
chinson, then a country storekee]iei' on Paris Hill and fonuerlv 
Eegr. of Deeds of Oxford Co. Air. Newell was a ])artner in trade 
a tei'ui of years with his fathei'-in-hiw. til! his death, and since he 
is sole ])ro]-»rietor. TTo has oiu^ child. Alary A., the Avife of Perley 



Hjstohy of the Towk of rioKu. -ilo 

i\ liipley. Sybil 1'. Gamiuoii, the wife of Adrian, luul a son, Iveslie 
Gammon; liushand d. in 183!); widow and son resided at Mechanic 
Palls a few years after tlie war, i hence they went to California, 
Avhere the son d. AVidow remarried, Zeno Kelley, "widowed." He 
d. and his widow is living at Klnihnrst, Cal., March, 1910. 

Gideon Norris 

Gideon Xorris came from A\'ayne, Me. lie is mentioned as the 
first storekeeper at \Ve>l J\'iu. He lived on tiie Kllsworth De- 
merritt phiee. lie m. Mar. -^i, 1832, Susan, the dan. of Eliphalet 
Tucker. I'liildren:— Sarah, b. Aug. 30, 1832; Louisa V., b. July 
2-L 1834: Datus T.. b. Oet. 12, 183(5; Wm. B., b. Jan. 17, 1839^; 
Joseph C, b. Xov. 23, ISJO; Cnivier Lyman, 1). July G, 1847; 
Adolphus G., b. June 18, 1819. Family juovcd out of town not 
long after. 

Oldham Families 

Thaddens Oldham, b. Mar. 9. 1790, Pembrook, Mass., d. Mar. 
26, 1871, Peru; was a soldier in war of 1812-14, under Col. Dan- 
forth; was granted land warrant; ni. Celia Ford, I). Apr. 2d, 1791, 
d. June 20, 1872. Chihlren :— Isaac, b. Dec. 20, 1809, d., single, 
in Caribou. Aroostook Co.. Apr. 13, 1897; Sidney, b. July 1, 1811; 
Thaddeus, Jr., 1). Xov. 2r), 1812 ; Joanna F., h. Sept. 18. 1814, m. 
(1st) Chandler I'ussel], 1833, m. (2nd) Simeon P>utk>r, Worcester, 
Mass., wife d. Mar. 10. 1880; Lucy, b. Dec. 15. 1818, d. Aug., 
1899, m. David Kenney in Massachusetts; Louisa, b. Jan. 29, 1821, 
m. Heman P). J»obind ; Flias S., b. Xov. 2S. 1823. d. Oct. 29, 1844, 
single; Betsey, b. Dec. 5, 1825. d. Dec. 2, 1899. m. Lbenezer Briggs 
in Sumner; Joanna, m. (1st) I'ub.. Now 17, 1833, Cliandler Rus- 
sell. Thaddens Ohlliam is represented as a \ei'y stl■^n^■ mid itiuscu- 
lai- num. At one time lie attended a barn I'aising. As was Ihe 
<-ustoi)i. tile fi'amewdik for one side was jnit to;iether h'ing horizon- 
tal and raised a bi'oadside at a tiuu-. 'i'lie tind)ei's were given 
and \ery heavy. The crew were i'vw in miml)er. but I'esolute. l^Iv- 
oiything believed to be ready, then canu' the eonunand. "I']verv 
nuiii to his post, pick her up." She arose slowly, and when at the 
right angle for tenon to eiiter moi-tice, it was found tenon was too 
big. AVhat was to be done? l"'very one of the crew was seeming 
to lift and liold all he could, if one left his ])ost to adjust the 
fitting, the heft would crush the rest, to all appearance. Finally 
our hero got his shoulder under the tindxT and told them to cut the 
tind)ei' to tit. it v\-as deelai-ed he left foot pi'inls on the timber. 



214 History of ttie Town of Peru. 

Tliaddeutj Oldham was a noted bear liunter and trapper. He 
and his brother, Daniel, first emigrated from Pembrook, Mass., to 
Snmner aronnd 1835. The foregoing children, except possibly Bet- 
sey, were born in Pembrook, Mass. ; the latter perhaps in Snmner. 
For residence and children b. in Peru, see "Early Settlers on New 
County Eoad.'' Descendants : 

Sidney Oldham, when about ;^0 years old, walked to Boston, 
hired out at $13 per month, worked one year, and walked back to 
Peru. After a visit he walked to Port Fairfield, returning in 1833. 
On jSTov. 33, 1833, he ni. Joanna Eussell and began farming at 
Worthly pond in Peru. 

They had eleven children, five of them living June 34, 1905, 
when Sidney d. at his daughter's, Mrs. Lucy M. jSTason, Livermore 
Falls, ae. 94 years, less 7 days. His wife d. Dec. 35, 1886, ae. 
63 3' ears, ^y^ months. Children: — Susan Fletcher Oldham, b. 
Sept. 5, 1834, m. Nov. 30, 1853, Isaac G. Whitman in Mexico; Cor- 
daine, b. May 8, 1856, m. Sept.9, 1854, David A. Corliss in Hart- 
ford; Joseph P., b. July 8, 1838, m. Pub., Aug. 5, 18G0, Sarah T., 
dau. of Mark Stevens, Livermore; Sarah Thomas, b. Mar. 3, 1841, 
m. Jan. 39, 1859, Eev. J. H. Bartlett, pastor of F. B. church at 
Canton at one time. He held the funeral services of Sidney Old- 
ham, and d. at Farmington, Oct., 1909, leaving widow, two sons 
and daughter. 

Marion P., b. Apr. 11, 1843, d. May 10, 1855; Sidney Augus- 
tus, b. Apr. 13, 1844, d. Nov. 31, 1910, at Mrs. W. A. Nason's, of 
Brights disease. He cared for parents at E. Sumner 1865 till 
around 1900. Pes., Livermore Falls. Charles, b. Jan. 8, 1816, m. 
Dec. 6, 1868, Eunice S. Russell: res.. Canton: house carpenter. 
Stephen B., b. Sept. 9, 1848; res., California. Lucy M., m. ^V. A. 
Nason; ]-es., Livermore Falls. Addie G.. d. Mar. 38, 1877, ae. 14 
3'ears. Lillian, d. July 5, 1893, ae. 19 years, 3 months. 

Descendants continued: Thaddens, Jr., m. (1st) Susan 
Fletcher, d. July 39, 1853, Peru, dau. of Benj. Fletcher. Their 
children: — David Greene, b. Feb. 31, 1840; did not marry; lived 
on home farm : d. Feb. 34, 1901. Elias S., b. Aug. 10, 1846. living 
on home farm: bachelor; d. suddenly of heart troul)le, Dec. 38, 
1910. m-. Oldham m. (3nd) July 36, 1855, Sarah P., dau. of 
Thomas Dyer and Hannah Parsons, b. Paymond. Their son, Lov- 
ell F., d. May 13, 1865. ae. 9 ycai's. Tliis family were professors 
of religion. Isaac Oldham was a professor, and, though not a 
licensed preacher, he conducted preaching service at the Pond 
school house considerable, before the war of '61. Tbaddeus. Jr., 



History of the Town or Peru. 215 

d. Aug. IG, VJOO. W'ilii d. Yeb. :i3, 1901. They were farmers, 
honest and upright. 

Benj. Franklin, son of Thaddeus, b. Peru, June 17, 1828, in. 
the log house on the "Xew County lioad," on the pond side of the 
mountain, is the last surviving member of his father's family, a 
farmer. His residence for several years has been in Hartford. He 
is a professor of Christian religion and keeps up the family altar. 
Such iustanees are too few and far between, generally. Benj. 
Franklin Oldham m. Dec. 4, 1850, Sarali J., b. Sumner, Aug, 30, 
1832, dau. of Freeman Irish. Children :— Simeon L. B., b. Dec. 
■1, 1852, m. Sept. 3, 1885, Ellen M. Hardison, farmers in Caribou,. 
Aroostook Co., Me.; Joanna Frances B., b. Oct. 20, 1856, m. Aug. 
31, 18T8, Sanford P. Proctor in Worcester, Mass.; Samuel C, b. 
Oct. V, 1862, m. Apr. 13, 1884, Hattie L. Johnson in Manchester, 
iSr. H. ; Alonzo, b. Oct. 25, 186-4, living with parents on farm and 
providing a home. John Oldham, son of Thaddeus, Sr., b. Jan. 
27, 1830, d. Mar. 2, 1894, m. Pub., Aug. 26, 1854, Ellura M., dau. 
of John Howard of Peru. Mr. Oldham Avas in war of '61, Pvt., 
Co. H, 10th Me. He lived after the v\^ar and d. at Hartford Ctr., 
whore his widow still resides, a i^ensioner. Children : — Harriet 
Eliza, b. July 6, 1855, ui. James S. AVidbur; Julia L., b. Apr. 29,. 
1859, d. 1862; Hosoa Ballon, b. Mar. 27, 1832, d. single, Jan. 11, 
1852; Lewis, b. Xov. 9, 1840, d. single. The last two are sons of 
Thaddeus, Sr. 

Daniel Oldham, b. Pembrook, Mass., 1793, d. Peru, 1879. He' 
was a soldier in war of 1812-14. He came from Pembrook to Buck- 
field, thence to Sumner, Avhere seven children were born. He re- 
moved to Peru, March, 1830, and settled on the east side of AVorthly 
pond, on tlie fiat a1>out half way or more up from junction of road,, 
at the old Bartlett farm, now Hartwell Oldham's, to the head of 
the pond. He erected buildings and continued there tlirough life, 
a farmer. His farm was at foot of mountain range and near "I^Tew 
County Eoad," leading to Sumner. On same road a Mr. Rice had 
located before him, on a part of the same lot, made a clearing, built 
a log house, and finally built the first frame house at Worthly pond. 
He sold the place to Ben. Fletcher before 1830. The two families 
were neighbors the rest of life, forty-nine years. 

Daniel Oldham m., around 1814, Priscilla, dau. of John Keene 
of Xorth Turner. Wife outlived husband several years. Chil- 
dren : — Annie, m. Frank Warren of Paris; had 4 children; tliey 
lived in pasture above Freeman Irish place; wife d., ae. 55 years. 
Daniel. Jr.. b. 1815, d. Dec. 6, 1890; Axel, m. Priscilla, dau. of 



216 HisTUiiV OF Till!: T()\\n of Piaiu. 

Josiah Liblj}' oi' A'ortli TiiriiL']-, wIutl' wife d., ae. 75 years; Ma- 
rinda, iii. Oct. 27, 184:2, Koswell Briggs, E. Sumner, both d. ; Jon- 
athan, b. 18-31, d., singk^ Mar. 15, 1855; Pelcg, b. Apr. 18, 18-^5; 
Hirani. b. around 18'.?8; Columbus, 1). I'eiu. Mar. 20, 1831. Axel 
Oldham m. ("^nd) Oct. 31, 1807, Lydia A. Merrill; res., X. Turner. 

J)aniel Oldham, Jr., m. Pub., Oct. 7, 1854, Saphrona, dau. of 
Win. Piper; wife d. Oct. 5, 1H72, ae. -1(3 years. Children: — • 
Daniel Wilson, b. -July 2i, 18G5 ; Merritt Hartwell, b. Mar. 3, 
1858; TJionias Clinton, b. July 2, 18G7 ; wife, Saphrona, d. Oct. 
5, 187-3, ae. -16 years. Mr. Oldham m. Cind) Sept. 13, 1873, I)i- 
antlia M. Allen, "widow," of Pumford. 

Peleg F. Oldham, b. Apr. 18, r8?5, d. Feb. 1), 1911, m. Mar. 
2'6, 1861, Mary J. Drake, "divorced,"" the tlau. of Scammon Star- 
bird and Hannah Tilson. Children: — Annie E., b. Dec, 1861. d. 
Oct. "36, 181)';?, wife of James Shannahan; Calista J., b. around 
1862, m. Mar. 12, 1880, Pansom D. AYyman ; he d.; she m. (2nd) 
Christoi3her Peed, now in Pumford. ^linnie, m. Aug. 20, 1897, 
Frank M. Oliver in Canton; Jonathan, I). Jan. 5, 1868; John C, 
m. Aug. 25, 1902, Sophia A. Peed. Their children: — John Palph, 
h. Xov. i), 1902; Wilma I.'., b. Dec. 7, 1906; res., on home farm, 
on shore n\' Worthly pond, a very pretty place shown in cut Xo. 1. 
Just Mvei- this reference see white house peeping through the trees, 
the old school house, at the left. The high peak in ttse distance 
is "Tund)le-down Dick," facing Dickvale. It is nearly three hun- 
dred feet perpendicular, to meadow al bast'; ;i mountain divide. 
Just beyond the schoolhouse, at right, is the cemetery where repose 
soldiers, three mentioned elsewhere, of 1S12 war, and as inany in 
war of "()1 : also I'ests the first setth'r on the farm adjoining (see 
house beyond, also a better view in aiiotlier cut, designated Trask 
Fann). lii'ie li\e(l and died Leonard Trask. For a term of yeais, 
when standing l)ack, to an observer he appeared a man wdthout a 
head or neck. He is represented on another ])age. This digres- 
sion will save further reference. Angie. dau. of Peleg. m. Isaac 
Farrington of Livermore; Emerson Oldham, m. ^Maiuf York, dau. 
of James P. York. Tlieir dau.. Angie M., 1). Jum: 14. 1907. Tliis 
famil\- are farnu'is on the John C. ^^'ymall farm. 

A mica mine was discovered here about ten years ago. Tiiis 
discovery, without testing the quality of tlie mica, was the means of 
selling the farm for $3000 cash. Tlie company who ]mrcliased the 
farm woi'ked the mine several weeks and \inearthed tons of mica. 
al! dark, of vai'ielv of sh;ide> from black to light. They secured 
pei'ha])s a Ion and lel't nioie than tiikrn. ami tlu' best wa:< fit only 



History of tife Toavx of Peru. 217 

for scrap mica, used I'or axle grease. The receipts did not pay ex- 
pense of working the mine. Price of farm I'eturncd to normal 
value. 

Hiram Oldham, "^nd, m. Kleanor, h. Bueklield. Jan., 1829, dan. 
of Dea. Freeman Irisli. He worked at trade of blacksmith many 
years ;_ was a noted horseshoer at AVorthdy pond. Family lived on 
the Scammon Starbird place a term of years, where wife d. Sept. 
3, 1893. Children:— Mary Ellen, h. Oct. 18, 1811, m. Kev. Free- 
land Starhird, Free Baptist. He was b. in Woodstock in 1812, 
served one and a half years as Pvt., Co. ('. 23d ]\Ie.. and Co. A, 
29th Me. ]\[r. Starbird lived in Pern when he began his ministry. 
He was a tine singer and a good exhorter. Pastor of F. B. church 
at East Dixtield from middle eighties down. He sustained injury 
in army service, for which he was first pensioned in 1886. There 
were two daiighters, ver}' promising, in the family in 1888. Mr. 
Starl)ird's next cliarge was Farming'ton, where he passed to higher 
life, Jan.. 19!);, leaving a widow; Miss Mabel Starbird, a promi- 
nent musician of the village; a son, A. T- Starbird; and other chil- 
dren. ]\Irs. Starbird is one of Peru's noble daughters. Mr. Star- 
l)ird was successful in his profession, and the family was highly 
esteemed by all. Edwin Oldham, b. Oct. 29, 1850, m. Mary Bos- 
worth of Canton ; they parted; he is quite an accomplished musician 
■on violin: res.. Batli. Me.: trade, carpenter. 

Hiram Eoello, b. Aug. 8, 1852, learned trade of blacksmith when 
a boy: he m. (1st) Mary Earl of Litchfield. Had a dau., Addie. 
Thev o\rnpd and lived on the Daniel Oldham, Jr.. farm at "Worthiy 
pond in early cigiitics. Later they vacated the fa:m, and wife sep- 
arated from husband, d. away after a term of ye?rs. Mr. Oldliam 
m. (2nd), in late nineties, Nellie Kerby of Alton. They lived at 
Bd. Falls, where husband worked at his trade a few years; thence 
they went to care for his wife's parents on farm in Alton. ^le. 
Francis Atwood, b. ^lar. IS, 1854, m. Adelia Benson of Sumner: 
parted ; both remarried. Francis A. resides in Webster. Free- 
man, b. Apr. 2(). 185(i, d. around eighty, unmarried. Cora Anna, 
1). Apr. 9. 1858. m. Edward B. Hutchins of Canton: had four 
children : res. was Avon : given in paper. 1910, East Brockton. Mass. 
Annie M.. 1). Xov. 2, 1807. m. Oct. 12. 1881. Sidney G. Wheel- 
wright of East Dixfield, a musician and dealer in nuisical instru- 
ments. Benj. F., 2nd. b. LS()5. m. Mav 17. 1888, Hester A. Ran- 
dall ; had son. Clerald. Family had lived in Auburn a dozen years. 
He worked at ti'adc of blacksmith, l)ein2: emploved by Wade & Dun- 



218 History of the Towx of Peru. 

ton. He d. .there, June 2v, 1910, of pneumonia. Cliarles is a 
blacksmith at East Dixfield. 

Lillian, b. 1873, d. July o, 1892; 1st, Freeman, d. Mar. 11, 
1839, ae. 32 years, 11 months. Columbus, the last child of Dan- 
iel Oldham, Sr., ni. Mar. 19, 1855, Sarah E., dau. of Leonard 
Trask; wife d. June 28, 1891, ae. 53 years, 9 months, 10. days. 
C'hildren: — Eunice Trask, b. Sept. 6, 1855, m. Edgar M. Howard; 
Eoswell B., b. Eeb. 26, 1859, d. Feb. 3, 1887, m. Sept. 27, 1878, 
Abbie E. Milner; Susan L., b. Jan'. 22, 1862, m. Frank Bean. Liv- 
ermore Falls; have dau., Dellis. Geo. W., prosperous farmer at 
Worthly pond, m. May 20, 1905, Blanch J. Andrews, "widow"'; 
Lovell F., m. Helen J. Stowell; Minnie M., d. Aug. 29, 1882, ae. 
8 years, 10 months. Eoswell B. Oldham left a son at ('ant'>n with 
mother. 

Daniel Wilson Oldham, m. Mary E. Hopkins, "widoM',"" dau. of 
Erastus Abbott; had dau., Bertha E., by Isaac Hopkins; m. Syl- 
vester Searls in Wilton. ISTo issue by last marriage. 

Merritt Hartwell, m. (1st) Ella, dau. of Thomas Allen and 
Diantlia Houston of lioxbuiT Houstons. Cliildren: — Jennie, d., 
ae. 1 year, 11 months; Clarence H., m. Josie Conant, adopted dau. 
of Joseph Conant; res., Eidlonville. Frank All)ert. m. Maud Tri- 
bou of Bangor; Harry Chester; wife, Ella, d. Mr. Oldliam m. 
(2nd) Aug., 1894, Delia McGraw, "divorced," dau. of Ezekiei 
Poland. Children: — Emma, d., ae. 10 months; Zephyr ~S\.: IMau- 
rice B., b. 1899; Marjorie, b. 1906. 

Thomas Clinton Oldham, m. Edith, dau. of Homer Child: res., 
Smithville, Eumford. Mr. Oldham is an o])ernlive in tlie mills at 
Eumford. 

Putnam 

John A. Putnam, m. Clarinda, Ij. Canton. Jan., 1829. dau. of 
Granville Child. Mr. Putnam, b. 1821, d. Sept. 25, 1866. His 
wife d. May 22, 1888. Children :— James L., b. around 1848, d. 
May 18, 1858; Clara J., b. 1852, d. Oct. 22, 1858; Adrian C, b. 
around 1856, d. June 16, 1890; Lewis C, b. Franklin. June 16, 
1858, d. June 18. 1899: Joseph A., b. July 21, 1865, m. July 21. 
1889; Annie M., dau. of Lorenxo D. Delano; John A., Jr.. m. Pub., 
Mar. 12, 1870, Melissa G., dau. of Alpheus Burgess. John A. Put- 
nam was a soldier, ae. 42 years. Pvt., Co. E. 10th Eegt., Me. Vols., 
dis. for disability Mar. 9, 1864. Eev. Lewis C, m. 1880, Ida. 1>. 
1862, dau. of Chas. Bisbee, Jr. Children : — Edward Evei-ett, b. 
1883. 111. Feb. 28. 1904. Ethel A. Thing, dau. of Josepli A. Thing 



HlSTUilY OF TILK To\V>C OF PeEU. 219- 

of Boston aud. Mary E. Beckler of Liverniore. Bernard C, b. 1881,. 
m., 1902, Mertie Dixon of Fannington, X. H. Cervier L., b. 1886. 
Lela Gr., b. 1888, ni., 1906, Wesley Wyman, son of Stillman and 
grandson of Harrison. Tlieir son, Merton, b. July 1, 1907. Ealph 
0. Putnam. ( 'iiildren of Jolm A. Putnam, Jr., are : — Xellie M., 
ni. Ulysses G. Melntire, Avife divorced, 1909; Augusta B., b. Jiily 
28, 1873, m. Hersey Williams, wife d.; Lucy, b. 1879, d. 1898, m. 
Arthur L. Child; Edna E., m. (1st) Bert Tracy, divorced, m. (2nd) 
in 1905, Perley C. Judkins, res. Dixfield; James L., b. 1875, d. 

1908, u. m.; Osca M., b. Oct., 1885, ni. AVillard S. Arnold; Oscar, 
b. Oct., 1885, u. m. (twins) ; Amy, b. May, 1889 : John A., Jr., 2nd, 
b. Dec. 11, 1892, m. Nov. 30, 1910, Abbie M., dan. of Frank De- 
nierritt. Lewis C. Putnam wa> les:^ than eie'lit years old at the- 
date of his father's death. 

The breaking np of the family brought llic children to new 
homes. Lewis (J. was given a home with Eev. Alonzo A. Abbott, 
he having no child, of his own. He grew up, attended the town 
school, married, raised a likely family of children, and continued 
at their farm home through his life. The infiitence and guidance 
of the Eev. Mr. Abbott shaped the career and destiny of this young 
man. He was led to seek Christ, and finally to become His servant 
in the ministry. In 1872, eight years before his marriage, he was 
one of the founders of the Second Advent church, then in Franklin, 
now Peru, of whom there were 29 members. From 1894 to 1899 
Eev. Lewis C. Putnam supplied this church in the absence of Eev. 
Mr. Abbott. The edifice was erected in 1883. Those in charge of 
the liouse were Eev. ]\rr. Abbott. Eev. ^Ir. Putnam, Jolm A. Put- 
nam, Jr., his l)rother, and Granville Child, Jr. In 1905 there re- 
mained 20 members. The dedicatory sermon was preached in 1893 
by Kate Taylor, sister-in-law to Euth Taylor, wife of Liberty Walk- 
er. Of the 29 original members, two only are living at close of 

1909. Of the others mentioned, John A. Putnam. Jr.. is the only 
one living. 

Eev. Lewis C. Ptitnam \\ii^ a. >iiucif (lni.-iian and a devoted 
laborer in the Lord's vineyard. He held meetings a portion of 
the year at Berry's Mills. Cartilage. ]\Iitc]i credit is due to his 
helpmeet, Mrs. Ida Putnam, for weai'v. faithful service in rearing 
and safeguarding their offspring from Vne pitfalls of vice. She 
and two of her sons reside at Die-kvale. Peni. Joseph A. Putnam, 
m. July 21, 1889, Annie M., dau. of Lorenzo Delano. Children: — 
Cecil I., b. Juno 13, 1890; Ceylon E.. h. Jan. 10. 1892: EoncUo 



220 HisTuiiY OF THE Towx of Teeu. 

D., b. May 9, 1897; Hattie M.. h. July 3, 1!)UU ; Marie, b. May 2, 
1909. 

tloseph A. Putnaiu is postiiiaster at West Peni. Olfice is lo- 
cated again in the liuwe store. He sue-eeeds Samuel F. Eobinson. 
He keeps also a small stock of goods on sale. This is 1909. His 
brother, John A., is also in trade again in the village, after dis- 
posing of his sawmill. He rents several stands in the Mil. and is 
one of the leading business men. Marriage : Cecil 1. i'utuam, 
m. Dec. 24, 1910, Etta A. Demeritt, both of Peru. 

There is mention elsewhere of Putnam's mill, formerly Curtis' 
mil], at West Peru. tSteplien Putnam, whose brother was the fer- 
ryman at East Eumford, was the mill owner. He m. (1st) Dec. 
30, 18"i8, Betsey Picker; wife d. He m. {'h\d) Beulah (divorced 
wife of Joshua Pandall), :\lay G, 1830. They lived together till 
his death. Putnam b. 1?90, d. Apr. 11, 184:4:. Widow remarried. 
Rev. Clias. Bisbee. tShe d. Jan. 4, 184:9. ae. 4:8 years; grave 
beside that of Putnam in the Pines, on what was Bisbee Farm. 
Record says that Silas Putnam m. Mar. 19, 18'20, Sarah Ludden, 
dau. of Levi. No record of children. 

Poland 

Jolm Poland, Jr., j^JU'ents on Oowell Hill, m. May 13, 1829, 
Betsey Thomas. Going back to the last census, 18"?1. there were 
John and Fear Poland; wife d. 1835. Their children: — -John, 
Jr., Roxelana, and Dorcas, the mother of John. A portion or all 
of this branch moved to Eumford. Tliere was another branch, some 
of whose offspring yet remain in town, commencing witli Sylvanus 
Poland and wife, Polly. He d. :\[ay 14, 1854. They lived on 
west side of Worthly pond, well up, on now the Jolmson Farm. 
His wife was Polly Ames. Children: — Moses and Polly, twins, 
Heman H.. Arthurday, Fzekiid, Pliilo ('.. l^lcazer A. This fam- 
ily came from Hartford. 

Moses Poland, m.; wife, Hulda, dau. of Ebenezer Delano. 
Children: — Gecn-ge. 1). Mar. 25, 1839, d. u. m. ; Hulda Jane, b. 
Nov. 29. 18-tO, m. Jolm ]\ranwell; Levi D., b. Peru. Nov. 25. 1842. 
All went to I'antoii. Polly Poland, m. May 10. 1840, Lysandcr 
Foster in Peru; Heman 1>. Poland, m. Aug. 2, 184:0, Louisa, dau. 
of Thaddeus Oldham. Si'.; wife d. Oc-t. 8, 18-13, ae. 22 years, 10 
months. Children: — Caroline B., b. Jan. 15, 184:2, m. Colby 
Sampson, Fel)., 1862 ; Lewis 0.. b. Oct. G, 1813, d. Fairfax Hosp.. 
Oct. 17, 1862. This family and that oP second wife lived in edge 



History of the Towx of Peru. 231 

of Greene woods, on road Ironi head oi' Worthl}' pond to Sumner. 
The environment wouUl delight C'liii' dwellers of a prioi- age. Mr. 
Poland m. (2nd) Pub., Xov. 21, 186i, Martha E. Eussell of Hart- 
ford. Children : — James B., b. May 3, 1845, m. Mar}' Bachelor, 
Xov. 27, 1867. They had two sons, both living in 1909. James 
B. was Pvt., Co. F, 23d Me. Eegt. Ethalinda J., b. June 11, 1847, 
m. Pub., May 16, 1867, Chas. M. Xewton of Dixfield; Aevidia and 
Alfred, twins, 1). Feb. 21, 1849. Alfred, m. June 5, 1870, Eliza 
Child. Henry Clay. 1). Mar., d. Apr., 1851; John C. F., b. June 
26, 1856 ; Heman F., b. Oct. 2*5, 1858, d. Apr. 1, 1860 ; Leslie T., 
b. May 16, 1860; Clement Augustine, b. Apr. 10, 1863; Aggie 
Lovina, b. Mar., 1866; Heman, b. Mar. 13, 1868. Pemnant of 
family moved to Oxford, Me. 

James B., wife and sons, were living at Johnson's Mills, Fraidc- 
lin, around 1880, when the Inis'oand left wife and family without 
notice, and with two of his brothers left town. ISlo one of 
them, nor their location has Ijeen lieard of since. James' wife m. 
Melville Dorr in Hartford. Deceased several years. 

Ezekiel A. Poland, b. around 1820, m. (1st) 1850, Eosaniiah, 
dau. of Joseph Picker, in Peru; wife d. Aug. 12, 1853. Chil- 
dren: — Josei^h Edwin, b. May 7, 1851; Henry AY., b. Mar. 3, 
1852. He m. (2nd) Pub., Jan. 4, 1854, Euth B., dau. of Isaac 
Bonuey and Elsie Xewell of Sumner, farmers on the west bank of 
Worthly pond, their farm adjoining his father's old farm. Chil- 
dren: — Eo3-al Sylvanus, b. June 2, 1855; Frederick E., b. Feb. 
19, 1857; Eosannah E., b. June 18, 1850, m. Geo. Libby; Cinder- 
ella Agnes, b. Feb. 25, 1869; Annie L., b. 1865, d. Jan. 25, 1889, 
u. m.; Phelps; Delia, m. Merritt H. Oldham, living on Bartlett 
farm. His premises Avith a "Aferry Party" are seen in views of 
Worthly pond. Philo C. Poland m. Sept. 15, 1851, Cinderilla 
Campbell. N'o issue. This family preceded Ezekiel A. on his 
farm, and built a portion of the buildings. They became inter- 
ested in religious meetings under Eev. "Sister" Parker and assis- 
tant, Avho were members of the family several months, about 1858. 

Eleazer A. Poland, b. Hartford, Feb. 7, 1823, d. Aug. 13, 
1893. m. Dec. 1, 1844, Eunice A., dau. of Wm. French. Chil- 
dren :— Eleazer Clinton, b. Apr. 10, 1856, m. (1st) Dec. 1. 1880, 
Hattie Whittemore of Lewiston. Their children : — Eose G., m. Mr. 
Bean: Wendall C. is station agent; wife d. He m. (2nd) Delia 
O'Feil. Children ;—Xellie B., ae. 17 m., Dec. 35, 1909, Joseph C. 
Eecord, ae. 27, of Buekfield; Annie M. Clinton's res.. East Peru; 



222 HisTOKY OF THE Town of Peru. 

farmer; rents cottages at Worthly pond. Family own the Cyrus 
Wormell stand in Yill. Second child of Eleazer, Rose Gelanor, b. 
1858, d, 1862. The last is Andrew Poland, plumber in Concord, 
Mass. Widow, Eunice A., d. June 2, 1911. Levi D. Poland, son 
of Moses, m. (1st) in Canton, Laura Lovewell. Children: — Al- 
mon, Bertha, Flora, Caroll, Daniel, Frank. Wife d. ; Bertha d. 
Mr. Poland m. (2nd) in 1893, Susan S., dau. of John Williams. 
"Thad had dau., Bessie M. Occupation, farmer. 

Packard Family 

Among the earl}' settlers in I\Iassaclmsetts from England were 
Danforth and Simeon Packard, the progenitors of Ephraim Pack- 
ard, b. June 23, 1780. d. 1872, who came from Greenwood in the 
twenties with wife, Lydia, b. Apr. 25, 1789, and a large family of 
children. He made clearing and erected the bnildings on what is 
the Irving Dean Farm, south of Worthly. pond. In 1855 or 1856 
he sold to Marshall Child of Livermore and removed to Buckfield, 
thence returned to Greenwood. The wife of Geo. H. Conant, nee 
Grace Packard, is great-great-grandchild of the subject of this 
sketch. Children of the Packard family: — Lydia, b. Jan. 17, 1809, 
d. young; Ahnon, b. Sept. 27, 1810, d. in Massachusetts; Lucinda, 
b. Jan. 4, 1812, m. Erastus Holt, came to Peru from Weld ; Lydia, 
b. N"ov. 3, 1814, m. Jacob Keene in IS^orth Turner, d. Aug. 26, 
1847; their dau., Ellen P., m. in Hartford; Fidelia, b. Dec. 11, 
1817, d. Feb. 12, 1818; Eliza, b. Jan. 14, 1818, m. Gilford Moses, 
d.; Asa Danforth, b. Peru, Feb. 19, 1820, m. Sarah S. McLaugh- 
lin, b. Dixfield, 1821; Geo. Preston, b. Jan. 1, 1822. In army, d. 
in Iowa; Ephraim C, b. Dec. 13, 1824, d. Apr. 30, 1851; Jemima, 
b. Dec. 26, 1827, d. Detroit, Mich. : Stephen S., b. Aug. 23, 1831, 
m. sister to Greene Gammon, was in army, d. in Albany, Me.; 
Clarinda S., b. Apr. 27, 1833, m. Benj. Buck of Buckfield. He d. 
in army. 

Asa Danforth, m. Aug. 7, 1841. Sarah S., dau. of Pbineas Mc- 
Laughlin and Sally Smith, both of 'New Hampshire. This family 
lived on the Jedediah White place, now owned by H. E. Stillman, 
in the early sixties. Mr. Packard enlisted Co. F, 17th Regt. Me. 
Vols. His son, Moses, enlisted at Minot, served in Co. Tv, 5th 
Me. Vols. Children :— Moses P., b. Aug. 26, 1843; Albert D., b. 
Apr. 18, 1845; Edmund A., b. Jan. 16, 1848; Hubbard C, b. Dec. 
13, 1853; Sarah Emeline, b. Mar. 28, 1856. Asa Danforth en- 
tered his army service July 22, 1862, and d. by reason of same. 



History of the Towx of Peku. 223 

His widow was pcnsioued till lier marriage to Wm. W. ^A'liite. 
x\.i'ter his deatli, Dec. 18, 1!302, she filed application for restora- 
tion to pension rolls, Oct., 1902. Same allowed. Her home is 
with dau., Sarah, and son-in-law, Geo. T. Porter, Dixfield. Moses 
F.j m. Nov. 28, 1863, Alma 0. McLaughlin. He was pensioned 
a term of years and d. at Dixfield Cent., Sept. 10, 1905, suddenl}-, 
of heart trouble. His widow, a cripple many years, was pensioned, 
living at Dixfield. Their children: — M. Albert, a lawyer at Wil- 
ton; and Edmond D., at old stand. He is married and makes a 
home for his mother. His dau., Grace, m. Geo. H. Conant in 
Peru. Widow, Sarah S. White, is quite smart to work, 86 years 
old, and enjoys life, 1910. Her son, Hubbard C, is married; 
re?., Dover, Mass.; occupation, a mason. 

Paul 

William Paul was a blacksmith at West Peru Vill. in middle 
forties to middle fifties or later. He removed down the river to 
the Geo. Babb place. He built a small shop and worked at his 
trade there till last sickness and death. He was rated a good 
horseshoer. He m. Feb. 16, 1840, Clarinda, b. Sept. 18, 1805, 
dau. of Trueworthy Thurston. Children: — Olive Jane, b. Oct. 29, 
1842. Dealbra Elvira Osca, b. June 19, 1845, m. Jan. 15, 1863, 
Henry T. Dui-gin in [Mexico, a farmer. He d. ; "widow" remar- 
ried, Apr. 3, 1865, Geo. A. Hutchins of Canton. William A. Paul, 
b. Aug. 31, 1848, m. Pnl)., .Tune 5, 1869, Ellen F. Holman in 
Dixfield. Mr. Paul is farmer and lumberman; res., Dixfield, op- 
posite East Peru. He manufactures spool stock by steam power. 
Parent, William, d. Feb. 13, 1864. Widow Clarinda Paul m. 
Pub., Apr. 20, 1865, Joseph Bartlett. He d. around 1870; in- 
terred beside first wife in Jackson Yard. No marker. Widow 
(Paul) Bartlett d. around 1891; interred beside first husband, 
Dickvale. 

Piper 

Wm. Piper, b. Sept. 29, 1798, d. Aug. 19, 1886, in Peru, m. 
around 1824, Hannah Edwards, b. 1781, a native of Casco, d. 
Mar. 10, 1867. This family came from Otisfield to Peru in 1828 
and lived the first winter in the house with James Lunt, next 
High St., at the Grover mansion. Subsequently he built-the build- 
ings on the John Burgess farm and settled there. He was a man 
of much ability, honest and reliable. He shared the confidence 



224: History of thk Towx of Pfjju. 

and high esteem of his townsmeu and was honored with \arious 
officesj including constable and collector of taxes. Children : — 
Daniel Wentworth, b. Otisfield, Mar. 18, 1825; Sophrona, b. Sept. 
28, 1826, m. Daniel Oldham, Jr.; Nancy, b. in Peru, Dec. 5, 1829, 
m. (1st) Thomas Wyman, son of John C. He d. ; m. (2nd) 
Erastus Abbott; Timothy Merritt, h. Awg. 28, 1831, went to Illi- 
nois in early life, invested in real estate, amassed a good property, 
and d. single; will probated Oct., 1907. Daniel W. Piper was 
eighty-five years old the 25th of March, 1910, and for several years 
was the only surviving member of his father's family. His farm 
was the Seth Jackson Farm on Eidge Eoad, about half a mile from 
West Peru Vill. In the harvest of 1909 he dug and picked up 16 
bushels of potatoes in one day, and the next day he dug and picked 
18 bushels, his usual labor. 

His longevity and unusual vigor at this time of life is due to 
a rigid temperate, abstemious life by him and his parents. He 
has preser^ed Avell what he inherited, a strong constitution. It 
would be well to emulate his example. He m. June 15, 1856, 
Adeliza Fogg of Woodstock. Children : — Adeline A., I). Mar. 30, 
1859, d. Aug. 11, 1859; Elbridge G., b. Jime 29, 1860, d. Ang. 
5, 1860; Ellsworth E., b. Aug. 16, 1861, m. Dec. 8, 1880, Mary 
E. Glover of Hartford. jSTo issue. They followed farming in 
part. Residents in Peru awhile after the close of the year 1900, 
and moved to home farm of Avife's parents at ISTorth Hartford. 
Ella May Piper, b. Oct. 2, 1867, m. James Lovejoy. Their chil- 
dren:— Harry L., b. July, 188-i; Daniel W., b. 1887. This grand- 
son is living witli Mr. Piper on the farm. Daniel W. Piper d. 
Jan. 31, 1911. 

Harry L. Lovejoy, m. Nov. 19, 1907, Lula J. Wing, a school 
teacher of Auburn, Me. They settled on the former residence of 
Ellsworth E. Piper near Daniel W. Piper. Mrs. Ella M. Lovejoy 
d. July 1-1, 1888, leaving a dau. She was named for her mother, 
grew up, and m. Chas. Standish; res. was West Peru. 

Ricker 

Three brothers of the Picker family Avere early settlers of Peru. 
Their native residence was in the vicinity of Durham or Gray, Me. 
Joseph Picker bought a lot of land of Hezekiah Walker at Peru 
Cent., Apr. 23, 1822, where he settled for life. He was less than 
21 years old. Eecord shows that his brother, William Eicker, was 
elected to the office of Tvthing Man in 1828, and evidently he 




J. WESLEY KICKER. Kivei^nle. Cal. 




MRS. J. WESLEY RICKER. 



History of the Towx of Peru. 225 

liad established a home years before, as his third cliild was born 
soon after his elevation to office, and all recorded in town. He 
was School Agent in 1838. His farm was up back of Elbridge 
Gammon's farm and at foot of Gammon mountain, and the Gam- 
mon place, a short distance from the junction of the two roads 
leading from Eipley's Mill to North Hartford, via down Packard 
Hill, at the foot of which was located Jolin Eobbins ; School agent, 
1816. 

Joshua Bicker lived on Levi Randall place at Worthly pond in 
early forties. He m. Dec. 2, 1838, Phoebe L., dau. of Samuel and 
Olive Knight of Peru. There is no record of any children. He 
did not reside in town long. Writer learns that Lenora Knight 
lived with her sister, Phoebe L. Eicker, in Minnesota prior to her 
return to Peru, about 1891, which shows that Joshua Eicker fol- 
lowed the trail of Elijah Hall out West. Their wives were sisters. 

Family of William and Eliza Eicker. Wife d. Oct. 12, 1818. 
Children :— Eliza Ann, b. Mar. 24, 1821; Mary, b. June 8, 1826; 
Wm. Smith, b. June 5, 1828, d. Sept. 28, 1828; Martha, b. Mar. 
23, 1834, d. Sept. 19, 1839; Ellen Cordelia, b. Jan. 18, 1836; 
Martha, b. Sept. 27, 1839; Wm. Henry, b. Aug. 11, 1842. ^s^o 
further knowledge. Quite likely family left to^m soon after death 
of wife. 

Joseph Eicker, m. Sept. 4, 1825, Eliza S., dau. of AVm. and 
Sibyl (Staples) Walker. Husband d. Jan. 24, 1845, of typhoid 
fever, ae. 43 years. Wife d. Apr. 1, 1849, ae. 41 3'-ears. Chil- 
dren :— Mary A., b. Nov. 7, 1826, d. Aug. 7, 1827; Eosannah, b. 
Feb. 11, 1828, m. Ezeldel Poland; Lenora, b. Apr. 7, 1829; Ar- 
delia, b. Nov. 13, 1831 ; Elnora K., b. Feb. 19, 1834, d. May 23, 
1836; Chas. Henry, b. Nov. 3, 1837, d. Jan. 33, 1838; Eliza Ellen, 
b. Mar. 38, 1840; Joseph Wesley, b. Nov. 33, 1842. Mr. Eicker 
built and occupied the house and ell now owned .by Wm. H. Bent. 
He was by occupation a blacksmith. He was a prominent pillar 
in founding the Methodist church here, whose house of worship 
was erected in 1838. This family were devoted Christians and 
greatly missed when called to higher life. The two youngest only 
are living, 1910. 

Eliza Ellen, b. Pern, Mar. 28, 1840, dau. of Joseph and Eliza 
S. Eicker, m. Jan. 10, 1860, Phineas Ingalls Libby, b. in Gorham, 
Aug. 33, 1838, a farmer and shoemaker, the son of Samuel Ijibby, 
b. in Gorham, Oct. 5, 1799, and wife, Sally Libby. Children of 
Eliza Ellen Libby, dau., b. Jan. 17, 1864, d. Feb. 13, 1864; Lu- 



226 History of the Town or Peru. 

ella D., b. Apr. 14, 1865, m. Sept. 19, 1885, Josiali Paine Weseott 
of Gorhani. He tl. Sept. '37, 1903, a farmer. Their dau., Grace 
E., b. 1894, d. in infancy; Mabel Plorence, b. Oct. 29, 186?, d. 
June 22, 1880; ^v'ellie Adell, b. May 31, 1874, d. June 22, 1880; 
Allen Wesley, b. May 30, 1883, ni. Oct. 15, 1902, Bessie A., dau. 
of Chas. and Ella Littleiield Chaplin, farmer. Children : — Maud 
Isabel, b. Jan. 24, 1905; Nina Louise, b. Oct. 7, 1908. All except 
representatives of the Christian graces of tliis Eicker family. 

At the age of 18 years, Josepli W. Ricker was mustered into 
IT. S. service, Pvt., Co. C, 8th Eegt., Me. Vols., war of 1861. Jo- 
seph Wesley Eicker, m. Betsey Briggs, b. in Auburn, Me., Oct. 26, 
1844, the dau. of Hiram C. and Senura (Briggs) Briggs. Chil- 
dren :— Daniel Wesley, b. Auburn, May 2, 1868, m. Oct. 36, 1892, 
Edith A., dau. of Isaac Osgood of ISTorth Auburn. Their son, 
Chas. William, was b. in Turner, Apr. 34, 1900. Chas. Elmer 
Eicker, b. in Auburn, July 31, 1870, d. in Turner, Dec. 15, 1875. 
Wm. Briggs Eicker, b. in Turner, July 14, 1874, m. June 21, 
1898, Mildred G. Lowell, dau. of J. L. Lowell of Auburn. Their 
children are: — Wesley Lowell Eicker, b. in Auburn, May 29, 1902; 
Nina Grace, b. Eiverside, Cal., May 12, 1904. 

Mr. J. Wesley Eicker is nicely situated. His elegant mansion 
is located corner Park Ave. and East 8th St., Eiverside, Cal. 
Writer has Pho. showing their team, 3.1r. and Mrs. Eicker in front 
and sister-in-law, Mrs. Briggs, in the rear. The cut shows their 
house on the right. 

It is 8 feet to the hedge and a driveway between hedge and neigh- 
bor's house on left. At right is stable in rear, and a row of three 
orange trees between same, and their Park Ave. houses are set back 
30 feet from sidewalk, which is 34 feet wide and street 51 feet. 
Much of this the cut fails to show. My. Eicker is a true type of 
his parents. He, has great respect for the old church edifice, and 
still more for the old cemetery, where rests the dust of his ancestry. 
He contributes to its repair very liberally. 

Ripley 

Wm. King Eipley was a noted early settler at the outlet of 
Worthly pond, an enterprising business man, a great mechanical 
genius. He came as early as 1836 and remained through life, 
rearing a large family of children. His occupation was farmer, 
carpenter and millman. He erected a fine lumber mill of the 
pattern of his day, for long lumber, a shingle mill, also a set of 



History of the Town of Peeu. 227 

granite mill stones for coarse grinding. This mill did a thriving 
business for a term of years and was a great help to the community, 
an emergency that gave elegant homes in place of log cabin?. This 
man was an important factor in the councils of town affairs, hold- 
ing various important offices of trust. It is related how he enter- 
tained a caller one day while working at his bench. Having com- 
pleted a piece of work before him, he j^icked up a piece of board near 
and planed one side true and even, next he picked up a second board 
and planed that on one side, till it looked about riglit, then ]ie put 
the planed sides of the two boards together, one on top of the 
other on the bench, and the moment the two sides came together 
there was a vacuum and the two became as one. The top board 
projecting over the bottom, served as a handle by which the top 
board was lifted, and the other followed as one. 

Wm. King Eipley, the son of Uriah, was b. 1799 in Paris, Me. 
He m. (1st) Martha Parsons, b. Hartford, 1803, d. 1830. Cliil- 
dren and their marriage: — James, m. (1st) Mariah Briggs oi 
Auburn. Their son, Clinton B., went to Honolulu. Wife d. 
He m. (2nd) Susan Woodbury of Auburn. Their children were 
John, Mar}'-, and a son, who d. two or three years old. Parent 
James d. Los Angeles, Cal. Alpheus, m. Elizabeth AValker of 
Boston. Their children are Fred, in Dakota, and Julia. He d. 
Denver, Col. Sarah Iv., m. July 4, 1813, John M. Deshon, d. 
May 20, 1890. Almira, m. Wm. Thorn, son of John Thorn of 
Hartford. He lived at Peru on the Nathan Harlow Farm in late 
forties and sold to Winfield Shackley. Children of Thorn are 
Sarah F.. Ella, and Charles. Mr. Thorn is dead. Widow and 
children living West (1907). Wm. Eipley, b. 1826, d. 1830. Wm. 
H., Jr., b. June 24, 1830, d. Sept. 24, 1899, at Canton. He m. 
Cornelia K., dau. of Jonathan Ames of Canton. A son d. young. 
He was Sergt. Co. G, 1st Me. Cav., and rendered honorable ser- 
vice. He contracted army disability and was pensioned. In ap- 
pearance he vras smart, active and free from intemperate habits 
down to the year 1899, though he suffered from stomach troubles 
and was in poor health a term of years. This and the death of his 
son, Frank, by his own hand, led him to say that when he got tired 
and sick of life he sliould do the same. He was impelled by a 
deranged mind to do the awful deed. 

Wm. K. Eipley, Sr., m. (2nd), 1831, Polly Ellis, b. 1802, d. 
1867. dau. of Perez Ellis, in Hartford. Their children :— Martha, 
b. 1831, d. 1833; Hannibal, b. around 1832. He wa' quite pro- 



228 Hlstuky of the Town of Peru. 

licieut in the district school studies and in 1851 attended a term 
at South I'aris Xornial Institute, where he devoted much time to 
Frencli. He was genial, of high ideals and good habits. On leav- 
ing home, he began business career in Boston, first as carpenter a 
term of 3ears; was associated with the police force there a term of 
3'ears; afterwards elected truant officer of Allston district, Boston, 
Mass. He had good success. He m. Mary E. Tylor in Boston; 
their dau., Eena, d. aged about 12 years. 

Henry W., b. around 1831, was a soldier, Co. E, 2nd Me. Cav, 
He had furlough liome pending army sickness and d. on the way, 
at ISTew Orleans. He was interred at East Peru. Government 
marker at grave. He m., prior to enlistment, Celestia C. Alden, 
dau. of Amasa. Their son, Scott Ellis, was b. in Livermore. He 
and mother live in Watertown, Mass. 

Ellis Kipley, 1^. in Peru, Sept., 1836, was a traveling salesman 
for a shoe firm of Lynn, Mass., m. Sept. 21, 1865, Harriet E. 
Child, dau. of Marshall, d. in Lynn, Mass., Jan. 22, 1901. Chil- 
dren: — Mabel 11., Arthur, Chas., d. when two years old. Widow 
and children reside Lynn, Mass., Fo. 15 North Franklin St. 

Martha Jane, b. Aug. 17, 1811, m. Aug. 6, 1863, Homer Child. 
Martha J., the youngest child by second wife, is the only surviving 
member of her mother's fam.ily (1907). Wm. King Eiple}', Sr., 
d. Dec. 9, 1883. He was fainiliarly known by the title of major, 
acquired under the state milita law when trainings and musters 
were in vogue. This family were consistent Christian people of 
IJniversalist belief, exemplary and upright in all their deportment. 

Roberts 

Seth Eoberts and wife, Mariam, dau. of Benj. Eobes, were 
pioneer settlers in plantation days. They lived in a log house on 
the tract of land east of Daniel Fletcher Farm, on road leading to 
West Peru. The house stood on north side of road, on heights of 
land sloping east, a very pretty and fertile swell of land, in the 
forties and down. Here they raised a large family of children, 
and here Mr. Eoberts d. Apr. 30, 1845, ae. 57 j^ears, and his wife 
followed, Oct. 17, 1858. This family avcio honest, of good habits 
and good deportment, generous, hospitable, and good neighbors. 
The family name has ceased in our midst, but a few of the descen- 
dants yet remain. Children: — Benj., b. May 9, 1815: James, b. 
Feb. 25, 1817: Anna, b. Sept. 7, 1819, m. Mar. 11, 1841, Henry E. 
Young in Peru: Elizabeth Webb. b. Jan. 11, 1822. m. Chas. Knox; 
Jonathan, b. Oct. 12, 1824: William, b. Apr. 3. 1827; Bethiah, b. 



History of the Town of Peru. 239 

Peb. 14:, IS'id, m. Dcuiville Knox; Adrian Greenleaf, b. Feb. 25, 
1832; Xancy, b. July 3, 1834, d. Nov. 14, 1837; Mariam, b. May 
1, 183T; Mariam M. Knox, b. Peru, d. Auburn, July 25, 1903; 
Setli Poberts, Jr., b. Peb. 21, 1840, d. in army, Co. E, 5tli Me. 

Benj. Eoberts, m. (1st) Mercy Tuttle; wife d. July 26, 1848, 
ae. 33 years. Children : — iSTancy Ellen, b. Mar. 18, 1838, m. 
Gilbert H. Bailey; Mary Elizaboih, 1). Oct. 31, 1839; Rosanna, b. 
Sept. 1, 1842 ; Angeline, b. May 4, 1844; Lois Pt., b. Oct. 26, 1845, 
d. May 30, 1880, m. Stephen W. Gammon; Eoscoe W., b. Jan. 12, 
1848, \l. Peb. 15, 1849. Benj. Eoberts m. (2nd) Sept. 18, 1849, 
Sarah W., dau. of Eobert Barstow. Children : — Eoscoe B., b. Dec. 
21, 1850; Alice Melvina, b. Sept. 19. 1853. :\Ir. Eoberts d. Sept. 
23, 1860. Wife d. Dec. 23, 1893. 

James Eoberts, m. June 25, 1837, Mary A. M. Putnam. 
Children :— David S., b. Aug. 25, 1837 ; Fancy Maria, b. Oct. 8, 
1810; James Albert, b. Aug. 8, 1843; Ann Genette A., b. Sept. 8, 
1846 ; Sarah Barstow, b. July 8, 1848. Wm. and wife, Mary Eob- 
erts, wife d. June 25, 1879, ae. 48 years. Children : — Nancy, d. 
ae. 4 years; Eosanna, d. ae. 6 weeks; Mary Jane, m. July 29, 
1882, Pliney B. Wing; Susie, m. Samuel B. Kittridge in Carthage. 
Wife d. Nov. 29, 1906. Husband d. Nov. 24, 1906. They left 
7 children. Wm. and dau., Susie, lived at Peru Cent, a while 
after his wife died. Susie heired their house, the old Hall store, 
after her father died. 

Adrian G. Eoberts, m. Lydia H., dau. of Samuel Bailey. 
Children :— Charlotte Ella, b. Mar. 4. 1852, d. Oct. 18. 1853; Gil- 
bert M., b. Nov. 20, 1854. 

Tliird generation: Eoscoe B. Eoberts, m. Jan. 10. 1886, FAiz- 
abetli Hickoke of A'ermont. No issue. Husband d. ^lar. 1, 1901. 
He followed farming most of life on the old Amos Kniglit Farm. 
Mr. Eoberts and wife were Christians, good neiglibors, higlily 
respected. 

Henry Rowe 

Henry Eowe, b. in Heliron, July 22, 1829, the son of Josepli 
Eowe and Eleanor Irish, came to Peru in 1848. He m. Pub., 
Sept. 14. 1851, Lucy B.. dau. of Benj. Lovejoy. Mr. Eowe is yet 
active, ae. 81 years, 1910. His wife d. Oct. 11, 1898. ae. 65 
years. Children :— Mary E., b. Dec. 1, 1852, d, Nov. 1. 1870; 
Benj. L.. d. Aug. 21, 1899. ae. 43 years, 1 month; Henry 0.. b. 
1854; Geo. L. Marriages: Benjamin L. Eowe m. Emma J., dau. 
■of E. T. Allen, b. Farnswortli, N. H.. and Jane Gammon, h. Can- 



330 History of the Town of Peru. 

ton, dau. oi' Eobinson Gammon. Wife, Enmia J., b. in Milton 
Plan., d. at West Peru, Aug. 2S, 1903, ae. 49 years, 1 month. 
Children: — Henry 0. and Walter. Henry 0. m. Laura E. Carter 
of Waltham, Mass. They separated. Had child b. Feb. 20, 1893. 
The marriage of these sons' parents at Wedding Hollow is related 
by Eev. G. B. Hannaford, and taken from a clipping of Lewiston 
Journal, as follows : 

EeA'. G. B. Hannaford, the "^'BisJiop of Oxford County," as his 
long service in the Methodist churches of Oxford county has en- 
titled him to he called, was in Portland during the recent sessions 
of the Maine Methodist Conference and told this story of a pecu- 
liar incident in his career: 

"Wedding Hollow," said lie, "is what the older residents call 
a little pitch in the road leading from Virginia to Eumford Cen- 
ter. I was going over this road when I met a couple of young 
people in a sleigh. 'Good evening, Mr. Hannaford,' said the young 
man. 'Arc you traveling far?' 'Well, I was going to the Center 
to conduct a social meeting,' I answered. 'Did you want anything 
of me?' I asked. 0, the young fellow explained that he and his 
friend had decided to he married, and they had decided to have nie 
perform the ceremony. 'Well, we'll go right back to my house,' I 
answered, 'for although I have no housekeeper, my house is always 
ready for anything of that sort.' But the young man would not 
allow me to turn back. Neither would he go on to the church at 
the Center. 'Well, drive up to Mr. Knight's and we'll stop there,' 
I advised. But no, Mr. Knight had company at the house that 
evening, he said. 'Then to the next house,' I suggested, knowing 
them to be friends of the man. 'No, they have gone away,' he ex- 
plained. 'Well, what shall we do ?' I asked, curious as to how they 
would ai'i-ange matters. 'Why, wo thought' — and he looked at the 
blushing young woman who snuggled up to him — 'we thought may- 
be you'd marry us right here.' 'What, here in the road?' T asked, 
somewhat surprised, for I had" never been asked to perform a mar- 
riage under just tliese circumstances before. 'Yes, if the knot 
would be tied just as tight,' replied my -young friend. 'Exactly 
as secure,' I promised him. So I stepped out of my sleigh, and 
took off my hat. The couple sat before me snug and comfortable 
in the iwr robes, and the young man also removed his hat, while 
the pretty girl by his side pulled off her mitten that the ring could 
be slipped on. I did not have the marriage service before me, but 
I had it in moiuorv. and so I married them, with the stars as twink- 



History of the Town of Peru. 'cJol 

ling witnesses, and the only wedding bells the chimes that the old 
mare shook out as she shivered in the Avintry air. In spite of the 
fact that the bride wore no wedding veil and carried no flowers, 
this couple lived long and happily together in married comfort, 
and are known to many people in this section of the state, they 
being the late Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Eowe of Peru, Maine.'' 

Henry Office Eowe, m. Etta L. Carter. Their children : — • 
Chas. H.; Mary E., m. Aug. 1, 1909, Geo. E. Goding, merchant, 
W. P.; Marion G. This family are devoted Christians, members 
of F. B. church. Occupation, fanners, on the Rev. Wm. "Woodsuni 
farm. 

Henry Eowe, by occupation a farmer, was Must, into U. S. 
service Dec. 23, 1863, Co. I, 1st Me. H. Art., Pvt., dis. June 5, 
1865, for gunshot wound. Mr. Eowe was prominent in town af- 
fairs several years. He was a member of the board of municipal 
officers, 1878, 1879 and 1880, and the last 3-Gar a Eep. in Legis- 
lature. He was a man of temperate liabits, good judgment, pros- 
perous and successful, a good neighbor, honest and reliable, he 
shared the confidence and esteem of fellow townsmen. 

He has been in poor health several years. Since the death 
of his wife he has had the best of care by Geo. L. and wife, at their 
home. West Peru Mil. For the last ten 3^ears, or nearly, resort 
was had to hyperdermic treatment to sustain life. His end came 
Oct. 22, 1910. "West Peru Grange, of which he was a member, 
conducted funeral service. 

Sumner Robinson 

111 spring of 1S39, Sumner Eo])inson and family came from 
Sumner and located on the Francis Lunt Farm, now Leroy Babb"s. 
Mr. Eobinson was prominent in town affairs, occupying leading 
offices repeatedly aljout thirteen years, until he removed to the 
State of Illinois. The family were active members of the Baptist 
church. His first wife before m. was Lydia F. Clark. Children : — 
Sumner, Jr., b. May 12, 1823; Sabrina, b. Dec. 16, 1825: Mary 
Clark, b. Mar. 7, 1832, ra. Jonathan G. Haskell. Those above b. 
in Sumner; Adrian G., b. Peru, Apr. 12, 1839; Lydia Felch, b. 
July 23, 1843, m. David G. Stanford. First wife d. He m. (2nd) 
Louise, a sister to first wife. N"o issue. Sumner, Jr., m. Mar. 
2, 1847. Cordelia, dau. of John Wormell. Children :— Clara H., 
b. June 23, 1848; Sabrina Alesta, b. Sept. 1, 1850, d. Mar. 22, 
1852. This man about time of marriasre besran to studv for the 



232 History of the Towx of Peiw. 

ministry. He moved West, continued liis studies and 2uade the 
ministry his profession through life; Adrian G., m. Anna Crane 
out West. He was on a visit to Peru around 1903; toolc great 
interest in church service and Sabbatli school liere. He closed ilfe 
a year or two later. His sister, Sabrina, wife of Wm. H. AValker, 
is ever to be remembered for her sweet temper, amiable disposition, 
her deeds of charity, her devotion to Christianity, and the good 
cheer she imparted to all around her. 

Another branch of this family, Orville Eobinson, b. in Sumner, 
the son of x\sa and Lois Barrows, b. Hebron, m. Apr. 13, 181:5, 
Sabra W., b. Feb. 26, 1826, dau. of Elisha Bisbee, Jr., of Sumner. 
They settled on farm bordering on Canton. Children : — Fanny 
B., b. JJec. 17, 1815, m. Pub., Dec. 12, 1867, L. B. Heald, in 
Sumner. Wife d. May 22, 1869. Henry Eaymond, b. Oct. 16, 
1853, m. Oct. 1, 1882, May F., b. May 17, 1860, dau. of Asia 
Iveene of Sumner. Their childreji :— Clarence H., b. 2n"ov. 29, 
1883, m. June 26, 1909, Mabel F., dau. of Archibald Sawyer of 
Buckfield; Ethel L., b. ]\Iay 21, 1887, is a graduate of Farmington 
:N'ormal School; Carroll L., b. Oct. 21, 1896. The grandparent, 
Orville Pnbinson, d. Dec. 18, 1871, on the old Walker farm, occu- 
pied by him and family since 1819. All the rest of this familj' 
are living here a^id flourishing farmers, 1910. Tlie grandmother, 
in her 81th year, still preserves her comeliness and much old time 
■vigor. Mr. Eobinson, Sr., is one of the leading men in town af- 
fairs, has served on the board and been town treasurer seve^'al 
3'ears. His wife is a ]3attern of industry, a champion of moral 
reform, one of the few striving to maintain religious service and 
Sabbath scliool at the old meeting house a part of the year. Mrs. 
'i\T;ibi'l F. r-!H)tiii!'r>.j sfhool teaching. 

John Reddin 

John Eeddin was an old resident in Peru and a pioneer settler 
of Franklin, a man of noble sentiments, generous, broad mind and 
of good habits. He was b. in Fayette, of Scotch descent. His 
sisters, Pattie, m. Eeuben Lovejoy, and Clarissa, m. Salmon An- 
drews. John Eeddin. m. Hannah CauAvell. probably a sister of 
John Canwell. They owned and operated at one time the Herbert 
Bowker farm. He ke])t also a small store. In pulitics he was 
an Abolitionist in the days of that party. Their children were : — 
Deborah. Eachel, Mary Ann. Mary C. and Oliver. ]\Ir. Eeddin 
.and wife were livino- in Sumner, in the vieinitv of Farrar's mill. 




Tine Cottaire. Wortlily I'ond 





Buildinw 



uie Lovi Kandall farm, now Kinerv Cox Diace 



■^v 



History or the Town of Peru. 233 

in tlie early eighties. He was a very conscientious man, more so 
than his wife. He outlived his whole family. He remarked at 
the funeral of his son, Oliver, that he was the only one left to tell 
the story. He lived ninety years. Ko dates. Five children of 
Oliver Eeddin are living in Sumner (1910) : — Will V., George, 
John, Inery Bisbee, and Percy Peddiu. 

Levi Randall 

Levi Pandall. h. Peru, Mar., 1817, was son of Samuel, b. Liv- 
ermore, and Beulah (ISTorris) Eandall, both of Wayne, m. 1814. 
Beulah was a sister of Gideon, the first trader at West Peru. Sam- 
uel Pandall left wife and went to Aroostook Co. He wanted wife 
to go, but it was a long way through woods, guided by spotted 
trees, to ride horseback with two children, and she heeded the 
advice of her friends to remain here. Mr. Randall never returned. 
Levi Pandall m. (1st) Amanda, dau. of Alvah Small, Pub., ISTov. 
17, 1842. Had dau., Mary Celestia, b. Aug. 17, 1844. Wife d. 
Oct. 15, 1845. He m. (2nd) June 6, 1847, Emily Washburn, dau. 
of James and Lovina Brown, dau. of ISTathan Brown of Rumford; 
had son, Francis Eugene, b. Mar. 20, 1848, who m. wife of Edward 
Babb, ^'divorced." Wife, Emily, d. Apr. 25, 1850, ae. 25 years. 
He m. (3d) Pub., June 23, 1852, Mary Adeline, b. July G, 1832, 
dau. of Lawson Suiall. Xo issue. Mr. Pandall d. of cancer, 
Sept. 17, 1883. Tlie widow is still living on home farm at 
Worthly pond. ]\lr. PandaJl lived here nearly all of his mari-ied 
life and d. here. In view? of Worthy pond, see farm buildings 
looking over and beyond motor boat, bearing flag and two persons. 
The white Jioufe on the left is the Warren Cui'tis farm. The barn 
at tlie right and wliite house at right of and partially hidden Ijy 
barn are buildings of the Pandall farm. In motor boat, bearing 
six persons, you get a better view of Pandall farm aljove the build- 
ings. Tlio houses are not as near as they appear. 

Smith 

Josiah Smith, b. Falmouth, of English descent, a ship carpen- 
ter. It), around 1800, Comfort, a sister to Amos Knight of Fal- 
mouth. They were here Mar. 1, 1814. They had four sons and 
three daughters, who lived to grow u]") and marry. The parents 
and all seven sons and daughters were early and hardy pioneers in 
Peru, inured to privation and toil. The next to arrive was Eliza- 



234 History of tfie Towx of Peru. 

beth, b. in Portland, m. John Hodgdon; both here in 1821. The 
next was George K., here in 1822. It is probable the other chil- 
dren followed soon. Abigail, b. 1806, m. Apr. 7, 1829, Ichabod 
Benson in Peru; Dorcas, b. 1814, m. Oct. 16, 1831, Goodin Ben- 
son; Ai Smith, b. 1809, d. 1875; Peter, b. Jan. 17, 1812, d. Apr. 
20, 1903; Edsil. Josiah Smith, when well advanced in years, was 
often seen walking to and fro with a broad axe on his shoulders, 
doing jobs of hewing timber in and out of town. Mrs. Leanna M. 
(Morrison) Knox, wife of Perley G. Knox, is the only descendant 
of Josiah Smith living in Peru, 1910. She is a lineal descendant 
of Elizabeth (Smith) Hodgdon, and a granddaughter of Josiah 
Hodgdon. Josiah Smith was chosen school agent for the western 
district, Mar. 1, 1814. There were 24 votes cast that year for 
governor, a gain of four votes since 1812. 

George K. Smith, the oldest son, was first on town record Mar. 
4, 1822, when David Hoit, J. H. Withington and the said Smith 
were chosen hog constables. He evidently had m. Sarah Maxim, 
a sister to the wife of Daniel Delano. Children : — ^Samuel, b. Dec. 
31, 1822; Emily, b. June 24, 1826; Nathan M., b. Dec. 23, 1827; 
Daniel, b. Mar. 22, 1830; Geo. W., b. Aug. 13, 1832; John H., b. 
Feb. 2, 1835: James 0., b. June 2, 1837; Abigail B.. b. Feb. 2, 
1840. This family removed to Farmington some time in tlie 
forties. Edsel Smith, m. Aug. 10, 1835, Annis, widow of Eli 
Knox, maiden name Maxim. Annis Maxim was a sister of the wife 
of Daniel Delano. This family left town in tlie forties. Chil- 
dren : — Comfort Smith, b. Aug. 27, 1835, m. Emery Record in 
Buckfield; Mary F., b. Aug. 1, 1837; Albion Knox, b. June 1, 
1840 ; Elizabeth J., b. July 8, 1843. 

Ai, b. 1809, d. 1875, m. Margaret McKee, b. Corinna, 1807. d. 
1880. She m. (2nd) June 26, 1877, in Pumford, Thomas Eich- 
ards. Graves at East Peru cemetery. Children : — Josiah Smith, 
b. Peru, Kov. 29, 1832, m. twice had four children. He was com- 
mander of ship in navy, war of '61, res. South Arm. .Mich. : Al- 
varado, b. Feb. 10, 1836, d. in Boston around 1900, m., had two 
children, a son graduated from Tufts Coll.; Roscoe, b. Nov. 13, 
1837, m. Ellen A., dau. of Reuel Washburn of Livermore. Their 
son, Eeuel, is a graduate of Bowdoin Coll. and of Harvard Law 
School; profession, law; res.. Auburn, 106 Spring St.. of both 
families. Eliza, b. June 1. 1839, is married; res., Boston. Marv, 
b. May 6, 1841, d. Jan. 21, 1843; Mary B., b. May 26. 1844, d. 
1866; Benj., b. Nov. ], 1847, enrolled Aug. 20, 1862. in Co. G, 




KOSCOE SMITH, M. D., Residence Auburn, Me. 



History of the Towx of Peru. 835 

1st Mc. Cav., war of "61, d. Apr. 21, ISGl, discharged for disabil- 
ity Xov. 25, 1863; grave and Gov. headstone at East Peru. Gil- 
bert Smith, m. Mary E., dau. of John Howard. Children : — 
Albert J., Jennie, d. ae. 12 years, and Xellie. AYife was divorced. 
Mr. Smith resides in Portland; occupation, house carpenter. 

Koscoe Smith, an active and hardy youth, came upon the stage 
of action when wrestling was one of the sports on gala days. He 
participated freely in this line of developing the muscular powers 
and was soon acknowledged champion of the crowd. He was work- 
ing one hay season for a neighbor, who told him jocosely, if he did 
not do so and so he would take him down, and though his employer 
was much older and heavier, and a strong, vigorous man, he prompt- 
ly informed him he could not do it. They clinched, and the older 
man was the under man, but not convinced: he asked to try again. 
Our hero was willing, and landed him quicker than before. Get- 
ting on his feet he said: "I did not know you were so strong."' 
At the age of 21 he was actuated by higher ideals, and resolved to 
acquire an education. He began the study of English grammai', 
the fall of 1859, in connection with arithmetic, having a rudimental 
knowledge of that branch. He applied himself assiduously and 
made good progress. That winter he taught a term of district 
school, with good success. He attended the fall term of high 
school in 1860 at West Peru, taught by Henry B. Walton. Doing 
farm work, spring and summer, at $12 per month, and teaching 
winters at about the same rate, he had to rely upon his own re- 
sources to climb the hill of science. He was making tolerable 
progress when the call to arms made him a conscript in govern- 
ment service, July 17, 1863, Co. I, 3d Me. Inf., till close of war, 
having been transferred to 17th Me. and to 1st Me., H. A. He is 
reported absent, wounded Sept. 11. 1865, when command was 
mustered out of service. Resuming his studies, he graduated from 
Harvard Medical College after his graduation from Bowdoin ^led- 
ical School. He began practice first at Weld. In about two years 
he removed to Turner Vill. Here he had a very busy and suc- 
cessful practice a term of years, as long as he was able to rido. the 
relics of army disability becoming more pronounced. Dr. Smith 
was bound to succeed and very fortunate in his selection of a 
high-minded, accomplished Christian lady for his helpmete in 
life. Their son is a picture of Judge Washburn in his day. 

Peter Smith, b. Freeport, 1S12, d. at West Peru, Apr. 20, 1903, 
m. Dec. 27. 1831, Elvira Young, b. 1813, d. June 7, 1887 : occu- 



236 HisToiiY or the Towx of Pkku. 

pation, farmer and carpenter. He followed the latter trade wholly 
during the last period of life. He was a man of good habits, fru- 
gal and industrious. Children: — Hiram, b. July 4, 1834, m.; res., 
Concord, N. H. ; two children, Edward and Charles. Simeon E., 
b. Aug. 15, 1836, m. in X. PL; Lowell B., b. Apr. 7, 1837, m. 
Sarah, dau. of Harvey Eipley; res., Canton Vill. ; children, Frank, 
Fred, Willis C, Chas., d., Clinton, foreman of tannery. Mon- 
tilion, b. Sept. 16, 1841, d. in N. H.; Jane C, b. Mar. 31, 1833, 
m. Eugene Jones; res., Fittston, Me. Wheeler, b. June 6, 1845, 
Must. Dec. 23, 1863, d. in army service June 27, 1864, Co. I, 29th 
Me. Jennette, b. Dec. 16, 1847, m. Pub., Sept. 23, 1869, Eichard 
E. Farnum; Delphina, b. Dec. 14, 1849, m, Thomas Barrett in 
Lewiston; Willard, b. Dec. 29, 1851, d. in Mass.; Flora E., b. 
Mar. 14, 1859, m. Frank Myrick; husband d. in Lewiston. 

Scammon Starbird 

Among the early settlers at Wortlily pond was Dea. Scammon 
Starbird and family. Going back a generation to the famil_v of 
Sea Ca]3t. James and Wealthy (Douglass) Starbird, Capt. James 
d. Apr. 10, 1851, ae. 83. Children:— Scammon, b. Apr. 14, 1790, 
d. Dec. 2, 1860; Wealthy, m. a Mr. Elwell in Hallowell, d. there; 
James Starbird, Jr., m. Hannah Wood in Hartford, d. there; 
AYashington, m. Jane Briggs in Sunmer, and had son, Isaac, no rec- 
ord, also dau., Tamer, no record. Scammon, m. Dec. 28, 1818, 
Hannah, b. in Hartford, Aug. 30, 1801, dau. of Josiah Tilson, an 
early settler in Hartford. She was oAvn sister to Eobert Tilson, 
Sr., an early settler in Peru. The Starbird residence was- the 
Hiram Oldham, 2nd, place. Mr. Starbird and wife were members, 
in good standing, of the Baptist church, both joining 1840. He 
was made Dea. jSToy. 23, 1844, continuing till Dec. 15, 1849, when 
at his request another was chosen. Sumner Eobinson was his 
successor. Mr. Starbird was a man of good sense, good habits, and 
good deportment. Children:— Watson E.. b. Feb. 23, 1820, d. 
Apr. 11, 1893, in Eureka, Cal., m. Angeline Washburn in Hart- 
ford; both d. in California. John Tilson Starbird, d. July 6, 
1821; James Starbird, b. Aug. 23, 1823, m. Jane Knox of Peru, 
dau. of James, a bro. of Eli Knox; James d. at Lawrence, Mass., 
Oct. 23, 1892. 

Xathaniel D., b. Dec. 10, 1825, d. Dec. 10, 1853, in Lawrence, 
Mass., m. Mary B. Wliittier of N. H.; Joan W., b. Sept. 6, 1828, d. 
at her home in Sumner. 'Mnv 28. 1882, m. Josiah Hodsfdon in 



History of the Towx of Peru. 33? 

Peru; iianuali Margaret, b. July 2d, 1835, d. Oct. 13, 188-i, iu 
Jay, m. Xathaniel Benjamin in Liverniore; Mary J. Starbird, b.. 
Jan. 18, 1810, m. Wm. ^Y. Drake of South Parlmian, Jan. 4, 1859 ; 
divorced; m. (2nd) Mar. 8, 1861, Peleg Oldham in Peru. Their 
children (see Oldham family). 
I 

Alvah Small 

Alvah Small, b. 1799, son of Wm. of Limington, d. at West 
Peru, Mar. 4, 1868. His wife, Hannah, b. 1800, d. May 8, 1870. 
An old account book shows this man was in trade from 1840 down 
a term of years. Children: — Amanda, b. around 1821, m. Xov., 
1842, d. 1845, Levi Eandall; Alpheus C. Small, b. May 11, 1840, 
d. Aug. 26, 1892, of Bright's disease. 

Alvah's brother, Lawson, b. Gray, m. Melinda York, b. Lim- 
ington, Me. The family came from Searsport to Peru in 1842, 
lived first on Pidge road, thence on Burgess hill, removed to Dix- 
field, Mexico, and last to Eoxbury, where Mr. Small d. Wife, 
Melinda, d. in Peru, Nov. 11, 1900, ae. 90 years, 8 months. Chil- 
dren:- — Mary A., b. July 6, 1832, m., 1852, Levi Eandall; George 
Henry, b. Jan. 8, 1835, m. Dora Greene, "-widow," in Norway; he d. 
Sarah J., b. Apr. 5, 1837, m. (1st) Eobert Sands. He d.; m. 
(2nd) Gardner B. Boynton, who served in Co. I, 29th Me., Pvt. ; 
res. on Eandall farm a few years; removed to IST. H. Frances 
Abbie, b. July 2, 1839, m. Orlando F. Taylor in Canton; Wm. H., 
b. July 13, 1842, m. Pub., Oct. 1, 1866, Mary C, dau. of Levi 
Eandall. He was Pvt. Co. D, 16th Me., d. Aug. 24, 1872; Chris- 
topher M., b. July 31, 1846, m. Betse3^ dau. of Neri Durgin of 
Mexico. Wife d. Nov. 26, 1909 ; res., West Peru a term of years. 
Wife was held in high esteem by all. She will be remembered for 
her ministrations and good cheer in sickness and affliction. She 
was popular and influential in the Grange. The above sons were 
all painters by occupation. 

Lewis Dexter Small, the youngest son, m. Jennie, dau. of Clara 
York of Saco. The latter d., wife of Daniel Gammon. Chil- 
dren: — A dau., who d., and Chas. Albert. Dexter Small was a 
noted engineer on the E. E. from Canton to Mechanic Falls, F. O.J. 
Smith, Supt. He could get the greatest pull from the engines 
they used, of any man known, and attain the speed of a mile in a 
minute over an unsafe road, without a break, with rail fence for 
fuel as demonstrated. 



238 HiSTUKY OF THE TOWK OF PeRU. 

Hannibal B. Smith 

Record shows family of Hannibal B. and Mary Smith, and 
dau., Electu M., b. Feb. 14, 1839. He eanie some little time be- 
fore this from Mass., and purchased of Levi Ludden a tract of 
land bordering on Androscoggin river and north of Speer's stream. 
He was an energetic schemer, oj)erating on a line not common in 
town. His object, evidently, was to enhance the price of a large 
land purchase by erecting a double tenement house and a monster 
bam, to attract men of wealth desiring to farm on a large scale. 
He built what is known as the Thomas J. Demerritt house and 
barn, sold to said Demerritt and his brother, James M., about 

1818, and returned to Mass. Evidently the project was a financial 
success. In 1838, Hannibal Smith and Wm. Tucker were assur- 
eties on a bond for Daniel Hall to build a bridge across Speer's 
stream. In 1839 bond was released. In 18-13, Smith was chosen 
one of the highway surveyors. The greatest number of ballots 
cast at Sept. election in the years named were as follows : 1830, 
88 ballots; 1833, 92 ballots; 1838, 189 ballots; 1810, 183 ballots; 

1819, 187 ballots. There Ava? a total number of 331 souls. All the 
voters did not go to the elections. When census was taken, 1821, 
there were in the Plan. 65 males, heads of families, each a legal 
voter. 

Nathaniel Swift 

I>[athaniel and Polly Swift and sis children were early settlers 
on Burgess Hill, not far from the Hopkins schoolhouse. Births 
of children range from 1811 to 1821, when census was taken. Lu- 
cinda was added Oct. 11, 1824, by same wife. Pesuming she d., 
husband m. (2nd) June 3, 1830, Mary "Washburn. Their son, 
Martin Y., was b. Aug. 21, 1833. He lived a year or two in early 
forties in the family of Wm. Walker and went to Mass. It is 
said that his son, Harrison, b. 1818, was brought up by Farewell 
Walton, and perhaps with other children moved to Westbrook. 
Nathaniel m. (3d) Dec. 29, 1831, Betsey Phinney. N'o issue 
given. Record of his death, July 1, 1841, comprises all we know 
of this family. 

Henry Smith 

A separate race of Smiths lived on the bank of Stony brook 
in a log house, near where the Alfred Walker house now stands, in 
the thirties, and down to 1841 or 1842. Henr}^ Smith and wife 



HisTOKY OF THE Towx OF Peeu. 239 

were the heads of the family. Children: — Lewis; Amos, b. 1821, 
enrolled, ae. 1:0, in Co. D, 12th Me., Sept., 1861, "'married"; res., 
Franklin; discharged for disability, 1863. He m. (1st) in 1811, 
Martha Morse of Xorway. Wife d. 1861, ae. 40 j^ears, 9 months. 
M. (2nd) Olive Dorr, a sister to Cyrus Dorr, in Franklin. Their 
res. was in Welchville, Me., a term of years, where this wife d. 
He m. (od) Maria Cushman, widow of Jesse Cushman. He d. 
years ago, and widow went to Carthage. John Smith, Frank 
Smith, Diantha was demented, Polly Smith, m. ISTov. 22, 1810, 
Alvan Davis in Franklin. Henry, the parent, did not live with 
wife and family the last few years of their residence in town. His 
home was with his sister, Judith, wife of Maj. Bracket!, and his 
dan., Polly. Lewis and the rest of the family left town about 
1842 and returned to Falmouth. Achsali Smith, a sister to Ju- 
dith, was employed in family of Hezekiah Walker a term of years, 
and became second wife of John Gilcrease, of 1812-14 war. They 
both d. on the Francis Waite farm and were interred in the cem- 
etery there. A government marker is erected at his grave. Ju- 
dith and Achsah Smith were in town before 1821, the only Smiths 
here then. 

Stillman Brothers 

Stillman Bros., Hiram E. and Wilson, were natives of ISTew 
Brunswick. Hiram E. served in war of '61, enrolled in 1st Me. 
and subsequently in Co. C, 7th Me. Vet. Vols. He rendered hon- 
orable and efficient service. He sustained injury in line of duty 
and is pensioned. He came to Peru, and from 1870 worked two 
years on farm for James Lunt in his •declining years and till close 
of life. He had got past labor, was over 86 years old, yet he kept 
watch of his hired man to see how farm work progressed. He 
had raised a colt that was wild and headstrong, and not broke to 
carriage. One day he observed that Hiram had hitched up the 
colt and was furrowing corn. That pleased Mr. Lunt. He thought 
Hiram a very capable man to make the colt go so nice, the first 
time hitched. Soon he planned to ride after his famous colt. He 
directed his man to run out of the carriage house the old two- 
wheel chaise, which from long use had become loose in joints, and 
when in motion given to waltzing in the upper story. Mr. Lunt 
took a seat in the carriage and ordered the colt hitched to the 
shafts. Hiram said he would put on the bridle Avith blinders. 
Mr. Lunt said "I have seen vou cultivating without blinders; 



240 History of the Towx of Peku. 

put on the open bridle."' The order w&s obeyed, and before ser- 
vant could leave the colt's head the colt caught a glimpse of the 
flopping shay top and started with man hanging to nose, head and 
neck of colt. 

Colt would go to the North Pole, 

Or anywhere, there to stay, 
A long way off on land or sea, 

Away from the pesky one-horse shay! 
Down the road went horse and rider; 

Where race would end, none could say; 
Mr. Lunt seemed much delighted; 

It was to him a gala day. 

It was a race fearful indeed ! 

Guided not by rod or rein; 
Driver grasping throttle valve, 

Horse a-pulling with nose and mane. 
The air was full of legs flying, 

Horseman's grip Avas strong and hard. 
All the way, hopping and dancing, 

Down to Deshon's old mill yard. * 

There the horse paused just one minute, 

With the grip still on his nose. 
So the rider asked his horseman 

What he would next propose. 
Then the horseman got on board 

That automobile one-horse shay; 
Took reins in hand — Whew, how they flew ! 

To Canton town that gala day. 

Hiram E. Stillman, b. jSTappan, N. S.. Feb. 3, 1845, was the 
son of Samuel Stillman and Mary Casey, both of IST. S. He m. 
Dec. 18, 1866, Olive Maria, dau. of Daniel Conant. Children: — 
Hattie M., b. Sept. 20, 1874; Olive Edna, b. Feb. 28, 1877; Wilson 
Stillman, b. around 1850, m. (1st) Ehoda A. Lewis. They had 
three children b. in N. B. — Edith, Thomas and Kenneth W. Wife 
d. in N". B. Wilson and children came to Peru. Kenneth W., 
b. Jan. 19, 1879, d. Oct. 28, 1895, of .gunshot Avound by pulling 
gun by muzzle. Thomas Stillman. m. Sept. 11, 1897, •Ernestine 

*14 mile. 



History of the Town of Peru. 24:1 

M., dan. of Elwin C. Knox. Their son, Gerald T., b. Apr 19^ 
1903. Family removed to Cal., 1908, Edith Stillman, m. Chas. 
Allen, his third wife; res., Livermore Falls. Children: — Leon 
M., b. July 18, 1897 ; Mary Louise, b. May 18, 1908. 

Wilson Stillman m. (2nd) Apr. 25, 1885, Emma Turner, 
widow of Amos Turner. Their only child, Mabel Alice, d. Mar. 
8, 1893, ae. 8 yearg. Mr. Stillman followed trade of blacksmith 
at Peru Cent, several years. He built the set of buildings there 
now owned by I. C. Kidder. He d. there, Apr. 1, 1905. Mrs. 
Emma Stillman d. at Dennis A. Harriman's, Rumford, Apr. 21, 
1909. Following early parental teaching, this woman was a firm 
believer in Christian religion. Like her father, she was strong 
in L'niversal faith. She found pleasure in church service through 
life. Her own denomination was preferable when at hand, yet 
she would not wdthhold attendance on denominational grounds. 
She found experimental religion profitable in this life, and we 
trust the one thing needful at the journey's end. Amos Turner, 
her first husband, met with a change of heart before his death, 
doubtless through her influence. Congenial spirits will find their 
affinities in the next world. 

Marriage of children : — Hattie M. Stillman m. Nov. 26, 1892, 
Stephen A. Getchell in Peru. They settled on the Oldham farm 
at the head of Worthly pond, where children were born. He sold 
there to E. M. Howard and removed to his present home residence, 
formerly the E. P. Gihbs farm on Eiver road. Their children : — 
Erwin A., b. Sept. 16, 1894-, attending his second term at Hebron 
Academy; Stella, b. Nov. 26, 1898; Clyde Edward, b. Sept. 27, 
1902. Mr. Getchell is a busy worker, a hustler. Olive Edna 
Stillman m. July -4, 1897, Tliomas J. Rolls. No issue. Have 
adopted dau., Lerene M.iy, b. Aug. 16, 1905; res.. East Peru, form- 
erly the Geo. H. Davis stand and outlands. Mr. Rolls is a man 
of enterprise and good deportment, a prominent member of Peru 
Grange, No. 109. Filled several ofl'ices, including Master. 

Thurstons 

Caleb and Hannah (Dudley) Thurston of Exeter, N. H., had 
seven children; the two oldest were Caleb and John, who came to 
Monmouth as early as 1792 and established a mill at North Mon- 
mouth. They sold their plant and returned to Exeter. Two 
younger brothers, Dudley and Trueworthy, became permanent res- 
idents of Monmoutli. Dudley m. Betsey Thurston of Nottingham 



242 History of the Town of Peeu. 

and removed to Monmouth in 1802. Tlieir children, five. 

Truewortliy, fourth child of Caleb and Hannah (Dudley) 
Thurston, of Exeter, N. H., was born June 1, 1778, m. Nov. 26, 
1801, Priscilla Eoyal, b. Monmouth, Oct. 13, 1779, settled in 
Monmouth in 1802, and in 1819 removed to Peru, where he died 
July 20, 1849. Wife d. Oct. 16, 1865. Their children, eight, 
with the exception of the last, were born in Monmouth: — Levi 
Moody, b. Dec. 2, 1802, d. Jan. 15, 1831; Clarinda, b. Sept. 18, 
1805, m. Feb. 23, 1840, Wm. Paul of Pei-u; Daniel Adams, b. July 
16, 1808, m. Dec. 6, 1832, Olive Bray of Poland. He removed to 
Poland, Me., d. there 1888. In 1847 he drove an ox-team from 
Hannibal, Mo., to Oregon, being gone two years. His wife d. 
Apr. 10, 1875. Three children. He was accompanied by his 
brother, Samuel R., b. Apr. 17, 1816, who m. July 28, 1844, Eliza- 
beth McClinch, b. Dec. 22, 1816, dau. of John and Sarah Mc- 
Clinch of Fayette, Me. Eeviewing the life of Samuel Eoyal 
Thurston, at the age of three years lie began his career in a log 
house with his parents and older brothers and sister on Burgess 
Hill, so-called, in Peru. He was with his father on the farm till 
seventeen years of age, when an injury changed his plans for life. 
He fitted for college at the Maine Wesleyan Seminary, Beadfield, 
Me., entered Dartmouth College in the freshman class, and in 
1840 left there and entered Bowdoin as a sophmore, and graduated 
m. 1843. He read law with Hon. Eobert P. Dunlap of Bruns- 
wick, Me., and practiced there till 1845, when he went to Burling- 
ton, then the territory of Iowa, and practiced law and edited the 
Gazette, a leading Democratic paper. The climate did not agree 
with him, and Mar. 24, 1847, having bought a team of five yokes 
of oxen, two cows and a horse, took his wife and child, three months 
old, in a wagon, and with goad in hand drove that team twenty-four 
hundred miles, arriving in Oregon City, in the valley of the Wil- 
lamette river, Oregon, Sept. 13, 1847. At this time the U. S. 
mail was received but once a year, and two merchant ships came 
once a year from Boston, and the vessels of the Hudson Ba}'^ Co. 
were the only means by which letters could be sent or passage had. 

With the advent of territorial jurisdiction came a monthly line 
of steamers, in 1850. He established himself in the practice of 
law. Having received a farm of 640 acres, offered to all actual 
settlers by the "provisional government"; was elected to the legis- 
lature in 1848, and was the first Rep. to Congress from the terri- 
tory of Oregon, in June, 1849. On the 6th day of August he 



History of the Town of Peru. 343 

started for AVashington, D. C, in a boat propelled by Indians on 
the Columbia river and arrived in San Francisco on the 18th; left 
there Oct. 1, Panama the 25th, and Charges the 29th, in the 
steamship Empire City, and arrived at N"ew York, Nov. 13. He 
paid a flying visit to his relatives in Maine and arrived in Wash- 
ington on ISTov. 30. His course in Congress was marked by fidelity 
to his adopted state and the country, with honor to himself. He 
was a Democrat in politics, but in his letters home he writes : ''It 
was a time of sectional strife, and I saw at once that I must unite 
and combine strength from all. I therefore shut up the book of 
partisan politics and opened one in which the Whig, the Democrat, 
the Freesoiler, the Northernman and the Southernman could read 
in harmony. Pursuing this course, I may say and trust it will 
not be immodest in me, I have the respect and confidence of all 
parties in Congress. And when my measures caine to the test, I 
had the pleasure of witnessing practically the success of the policy 
my judgment had dictated. I say it to you, and I shall say it 
aloud if need be, I make no compromise with any man who desires 
Oregon to become a slave country." 

It is sad to relate this man's career was short. He bad but 
just begun to realize the boon he had labored so hard to attain, 
when he was cut off in the prime of life. He d. Apr. 9, 1851, on 
board the steamer California, on his way home, and was buried 
in Acapulco, Mexico. The legislature of Oregon in 1853 voted 
to remove his remains from foreign soil, and they were deposited 
in the cemetery in Salem, Ore., and in 1856 a monument was 
erected by the same authority, on the eastern face of which is 
inscribed: "Thurston, erected by the people of Oregon." His 
biographer sa3's further: "He was in all relations resolute and 
determined, fond of debate and vigorous in defense of his points. 
His Fourth of -Tuly address of 1849 will be long remembered by 
those who heard it. He was kind to his friends, and magnanimous 
to all ; a sincere Christian, Immble and earnest in the jirayer meet- 
ing, as be was bold and defiant in debate. He made his way by 
hard and faitbful work, attained siiccess, and left an honored 
memory." 

Writer saw Mr. Thurston wben a boy. He was an exception- 
ally fine looking man ; eyes and hair jet black, tall and "straight as 
an arrow, nim-ble and graceful in poise, and every feature resplen- 
dent of brilliant talents. Energy, enterprise and high ideals were 
the leading characteristics of the man. Livermore boasts of her 



244 History of the Towx of Peru. 

Wasliburnp, and Peru may well be proud of her adopted son, who, 
born and bred in poverty, dependent on his own resources, lead 
so brilliant a career. He was the only son of Peru who reached 
Congress. His widow m. Oct. 16, 1855, Hon. Wm. Holman Odell, 
b. Dec. '^5, 1830, son of John and Sarah Odell of Ca,rroll Co., 
Ind., who was one of the presidential electors of 1876 from Salem, 
Oregon. Children of Samuel E. Thurston : — -Geo. Henry, b. in 
Burlington, la., Dec. 2, 1846; Elizabeth Blandina, b. in Linn City, 
Oregon. 

The cliildren of Daniel Adams and Olive Bray Thurston were 

Gilman, on home farm in Poland, and Susie, who m. 

Andrews. She lived and d. in Poland. John Gilman, b. Mar. 15, 
1811. d. Feb. 20, 1830; Benjamin, b. Apr. 17, 1813, m. Laura 
Ann Pratt, Kov., 1843, removed to Poland, Me., d. Sept. 20, 1849. 
Wife remarried Pub., Jan. 14, 1856, Calvin Hopkins, Peru; True 
Worthy, b. Apr. 15, 1819, m. Pub., Mar. 2, 1846, Pacliel Fisher 
Welch, dau. of Eobert and Lois Welch, of Monmouth. He was a 
school teacher and prominent town official a term of years. He 
d. in Rnmford in family of son. His wife d. there Sept. 14, 1909, 
ae. 86 years. Elvira Priscilla, b. Peru, Aug. 25, 1832, m. July 
20, 1851, John S. Lunt of Peru, b. N'ov. 13, 1819. He was a 
soldier, 56th Mass. Eegt. in Civil War, and with his family enjoyed 
religion. They were upright, commendable and of good repute. 
He d. Oct. 2, 1881, ae. nearly 62 years. Wife d. Dec. 8, 1900, ae. 
78 years. Children of True W. and Eachel Thurston: — 

Samuel Eoyal, b. July 2, 1847, m. (1st) Carrie Whitmarsh of 
Boston, had son, Samuel E., Jr.; wife d.; m. (2nd) Maggie Cam- 
eron, "widow," of Boston; res., Eumford Cent. Wm. Henry, b. 
Dec. 12. 1848. m. Salome Glover, Ed. Children: — Maora E., An- 
thony G., Willis H., Ethel M., George H. Granville True, b. Oct. 
13, 1850, m. Ada Lufkin, a sister to i^elson Lufkin. Children: — 
Earl G., iSTettie L., Hermon L. Eobert Lamont, b. Feb. 28, 1852, 
m. Anna 0. Connor of Chicago. jSTo cliildren. Lydia ?\ray, b. 
Miay 24, 1854, m. July 17, 1875, John E. Goggin. His trade was 
a blacksmith. He followed it well a term of years. Pie is now 
nicely situated on a farm on Eidgo road. Children: — Bertha, b. 
May 8, 1877, a graduate of the ISTormal School at Farmington, 
Me.; Everett L., 1). Apr. 26, 1879; Clarence T., b. Apr. 23, 1882, 
in Chicago, Til., m. Mar. 19, 1903. Catherine Howard, dau. of 
Cyrus and H. Bernice Howard of Winthrop Me.; address, Eum- 
ford: Sidney, b. Jnlv. 1894. John Goggin d. Oct. 22, 1910. His 



lilSTOKY OF THE ToWX Ol' PkKU. 24:b 

death was preceded by two shocks at his home. Lizzie Odeil, b. 
Jan. 1, 185T, m. Henry T. Burgess; Daniel Adams, b. 
Dec. 16, 1858, m, Nelly Peabody. She d. one year after, in spring 
of 1906. Child, Lena M., in Rd. Frank M., m. Cora Farnum. 
Their children : — Lizzie M. and Eodger. 

Moses True 

Pluses, True was a resident in town in early thirties. He m. 
Mar. 16, 183-1, Eleanor (.}. Kyle, dau. of Amos Kyle, and settled 
on a part of the Kyle farm, and built the house no\y o^vned by 
Henry Chase. He was quite prominent and one of the founders 
of Peru M. E. church. Eecords show he was one of the committee 
in charge of the building of the first highway from Bartlett farm 
up east side of Worthly pond in fall of 1839. In 1813 he was 
moderator of March meeting. During their residence here there 
were born to them live children : — Mahala, Mary D., John D., 
Edward M., Edward. Family removed to Fayette around 1815. 

Tuttle 

Family of Isaac and Eosanna Tuttle lived on the John E. Gog- 
gin farm. Eecord shows children:- — Eussell S., b. Apr. 23, 1830; 
Wm. P., b. Nov. 1, 1833. 

Thomas 

Elijah Tlidmas is recorded alone licre in 1821, and reeoi'd of 
death Jan. 28, 1817; that of Benj. Thomas, :\ray 20, 1861. 

John Tufts 

John Tufts was I), in ]^ynn, Mass., son of Aninin and J;ine 
Tufts. "VVIien thirteen years old he came to Brunswick, Me., to 
live and continued there till he was twenty-one. AlKmt this time 
there was call for soldiers in the Vfar of 1812. He joined the 
Continental Army, marched to Portland and to Plattsburg, via 
Burlington, and going across Lake Champlain, the land forces, 
under McCoon. engaged tlie enemy five days bel'oio the shipping 
arrived. Tufts participated in an engagement lasting two hours. 
Soldier related to writer a short time before his death. Mar. 12, 
1885. that the American ships had Ix'on lying with s]\rings on 
cables a week, w^aiting attack of r)ritisli. He was in the war ser- 
vice 16 month? and retnrnod to Brunswick. He came lo Peru 



246 History of the Town of Peru. 

around 1815. He had a small i)lace on the north side of Morrill 
Ledge-hill range. Writer recollects he hauled with an ox-team a 
load of wheat from his farm to be threshed at West Peru Vill. in 
fall of 1860. Three years before, his first wife, Olive B., departed 
life, and he, with an only daughter, kept their home. He subse- 
quently m., but wife left soon after their marriage and was not 
heard from till after his death, Mar. 12, 1885, when proof of death 
was wanted in her claim for widow's pension. His daughter d. 
a few weeks before his death. Both d. at Dickvale. 

Josiah Tilson 

One of the early settlers of Hartford was Josiah Tilson. His 
son, Eobert, was an early settler on the "New County Eoad" lead- 
ing from Knight Ferry, on the south side of the mountain, over- 
looking Worthly pond, on way to Paris C. H. Several cuts of 
this region give good views of this range of mountains. The Til- 
son log cabin was located well up the mountain side, above the 
cabin of Thaddeus Oldliam. Eobert Tilson m. Charity Jones of 
Canton. Their children known were Josiah, Isaac, Eobert, Jr., 
and AppoUos. The parent, Eobert, d. Dec. 3, 1833. His widow 
lived many years after his death. AppoUos went to live with 
George Walker till one and twenty. Next he was a clerk, and 
finally a partner in a gents' dress goods store on Milk St., Boston. 
He m. and lived in Somerville in 1850-51. He amassed a good 
property and lost through conduct of partner in early part of war. 
He began at foot of ladder and at close of war had accumulated 
a comfortable competence and retired to a country seat. Eobert 
Tilson, Jr., was engaged in commercial line in Boston in 1850 
and after. Lots of people recollect him a traveling salesman over 
Maine after the war, continuing till around 1897, when he was at 
Peru, having witli him his second wife. They were then from 
Wilton, probably where he d. and was interred at Cambridge, ]\Lass. 

We are unable to learn al>out Isaac Tilson, son of Eobert. 
Josiah, brother of Isaac, as reported, had three wives, and d. out 
West. He m. (1st) Ann Sampson in Mass., and had three chil- 
dren. Had a dau. by third wife. Eeferring again to Josiah Til- 
son in Hartford, wo find his lineage yet living in Peru. He had 
two wives. The given name of one, presumably the first, was 
Mercy. A grave in the old cemetery at East Peru has a marble 
headstone with inscription as follows: "Hannah, wife of Josiah 
Tilson, d. Oct. 18, 1837, ae. 69 years." From these dates we find 




Camp Woitlily. Worthly Tond. 




Lt'ODard Trask. the wdiiderful invalid. 

ISO.-,— 18(11. 



HiSTOKY OF THE ToWN OF PeRU. 347 

lier birth around I'iGS, and from her birth to Robert's death a 
period of 65 years, and to wife's death 69 years, covering actually 
two generations, that of mother and son, if she be the mother of 
Eobert. Moreover, it is proved that though Josiah, Jr., had three 
wives, neither bore the name of Hannah. The two generations 
were prior generations, therefore she could not have been the wife 
of Josiah, the son of Eobert, for he was of a subsequent generation. 
Josiah, Jr., lived and d. in Cambridge, Mass. His wives were 
(1st) Julia Hersey, (2nd) Anna Keene of Sumner, (3) Saphrona 
Hersey. .Josiah and Hannah had dau., Hannah, b. Hartford, 
Aug. 30, 1801, who m. Scammon Starbird. Their dau., Mary 
Jane, is the wife of Peleg Oldham. Also dau., Sarah E., b. about 
1810, m. Sumner Frazier about 1830. 

Leonard Trask, the Wonderful Invalid 

Mr. Leonard Trask, the subject of the following historical 
sketch, was b. in Hartford, June 30, 1805. His parents were 
respectable and industrious people. His father, Mr. shorn Trask, 
was a diligent and enterprising farmer in prosperous circumstances, 
who early taught his children the necessity and benefit of useful 
toil, prudence and perseverance. The years of Leonard's minority 
were passed in assisting his father in the labors of the farm. The 
first labor he performed after he became free was done in the town 
of Carthage, where he worked at making bricks at eleven and a 
half dollars per month. In the autumn of 1826 he returned to 
Hartford and engaged to build 100 rods of stonewall for $100. He 
bought a pair of oxen for $50 and began work on the wall. He 
labored hard, completing his job in eight weeks. He then sold 
his oxen for $55 and went into the "logging swamp" in Byron and 
labored two and a half months at $12 per month. He next jour- 
ne5'ed on foot to Mass., where he fonnd employment, and labored 
the first year at $13 per month, and for the next year's services 
at $18 per month. He then returned to Maine and purchased a 
lot of wild land in the new and sparsely settled town of Peru. 

His land was located on the east side of and nearly up to the 
head of AVorthly pond and near the "Xew C'ount}^ Eoad," as then 
traveled to Sumner and Paris. He next contracted for a barn to 
be built on his land, for which he gave his next year's labor. The 
next year, being the 26th year of his life, he spent in building a 
house on his land, working with unremitting diligence by day and 
much in the night, sleeping too little. Being of a hardy and almost 



248 History of the Town of Peru. 

iron cuiistituliu]!, lie ijcrfonneil labi)r and endured hardships that 
would have shattered and broken down the constitution and health 
of most ]nen. He m. Pub., Sej^t. 19, 1830, Eunice, b. jSTov. 11, 180!>. 
'dau. of Coin and Eunice (Dorr) Knight, a worthy and interesting 
dau., well educated in all the duties of house-wifery ; she proved a 
fit mate for the persevering young farmer. He was then able to 
stock his farm with one pair of oxen, two cows, two yearlings, six 
sheep and a yearling colt. Fur a while success attended him in 
all his undertakings. His wild land began to assume the apjjear- 
ance of a well cultivated farm. Pich fields of grain, hay and corn 
now flourished in place of the forest and briish-wood which his 
diligent hands had removed. Children were b. to this hale and 
happy conple, and they rejoiced in the pleasing prospect of rearing 
the tender babes in affluence and plenty, and undisturbed by that 
poverty and pinching want that often embitters the life of the indi- 
gent and tuilfering poor. Little thought they that ere ten years 
should pass away, cheerless poverty would sit the ruling queen at 
their once pleasant fireside ; that the robust, athletic farmer should 
become l)Owed, the broad chest contracted, and the once erect and 
powerful man become a heap of misery and deformity. About tlie 
year 1833, as Mr. Trask was riding on horseback through a neigh- 
boring town, a "luckless hog'" in the higliway, liearing the approacli 
of a horseman, took friglit, and as is often the case with that per- 
verse animal, to iiee from danger took the opposite direction from 
the place of safety, and rushed directly under tlie horse's feet. The 
affrighted horse, as a matter of course, stumbled and plunged, throw- 
ing his ridfi- diiTctly over his head. Mr. Trask was thrown with 
great force to the ground, receiving the full force of the fall upon his 
neck and shouMei's. This gave so sevei'e a sliock to the spinal 
column that he was unal)le to reach liis home for several days. 
Two montlis or more elapsed before he was able to do any work. 
He tlien attcm])ted to do some liglit work. l)ut it was performed 
with extreme difficulty and pain. Wearily he dragged out the 
residue of that season, lalsoring while he wa-^ unable to endure toil 
more than an houi- at a time, sitting down in the field to rest at 
intervals wliilc ilie ])ain in tlie spine would partially al)ate. The 
next year his health imjn-ovcfl. He could work with more ease. 
and continue longer without very severe ])ain. Dui'iiig that year 
he sustained severe losses in property and a discouraging reverse 
of his former prosperity. He owuied at that time 18 head of noat 
cattle, one horse, and 20 sheep. Bloody murrain prevailed among 





Trask Farm, Worthly Fon.l. eas^t side Cemetery at left of l)uil<liags. 





Old Dick facing Dickvale on left. Tlie old schoolliouse in front near ^liore 
of pond. East side. Fele^ Oldham farm at ris?ht. where .lohn S. Liint lived 
at one time. 



History of tpie Town of Peru. 349 

his stock. He lost by it nine cows, four oxen, four horses and 
several smaller cattle. These lasses weighed heavily upon the un- 
fortunate man, and the pinching want of money led him again to 
seek it in the timber swamp of Maine. 

In the winter season he hired out to labor in the Dead River 
"Pineries." When he first went into the woods, the snow was four 
feet deep and the lumbering operation 12 miles from any dwelling. 
The camp the party expected to find had been destroyed, and they 
found themselves at night in the woods without shelter and unable 
to construct one the first night. Consequently, they spent a severe 
winter night in the open air, leaning against or walking around 
trees. The next day was spent wallowing about to find a location 
for a camp, and the second night was passed around their fire in 
the open air. The day following they constructed a camp, and the 
third night they slept soundly on cold hemlock bouglis, above the 
snowy, frozen ground. In consequence of this exposure, Mr. Trask 
took a severe cold, and his spinal trouble revived with increasing 
torture. Ho supposed it to be an attack of riieumatism and strove 
to drive it ofl' by exercise. In going to and from the camp he was 
unable to keep i;p with the other hands. AVhile performing his 
daily labor, he was often forced to take liis meal in his hands and 
eat it while traveling around a stump, the pain in liis neck being 
so severe he could not endure it and eat. He was unal)le to rise 
from his couch of straw without a rope with which to draw liiinself 
up. Still he performed his daily task with the rest of the lumber- 
men through the winter. In the spring of 1835 the neck and spine 
between the shoulders ))egan to curve and the head and shoulders 
to bow forward ; thence began the deformity as shown in the cut. 
In his ])i-ime he was erect, of symmetrical proportion, standing six 
feet, one inch in his boots, and weighing 199 pounds. In 1857 
he measured to chin, three feet, nine and one-half indies, and to his 
shoulders, the summit of the trunk, foui- feet, 10i/> inches; weight. 
131 pounds. 

As time rolled on, disease of spine progressed and cui-valure of 
head, neck and shoulders increased, in spite of medical treatment, 
vigorous and severe, covering a period of oiglit years. Twenty-on(> 
practicing physicians, of seven towns, in a radius of 20 miles, com- 
prising all schools, Allo])alhy. Hydrojiathy and Tomsonian, then 
in practice, tried their skill in experiments on this one subject. 
Their treatment, as a whole, comprised sweating, lol)elia emetic. 
A'omiting, purging, blistering, cupping, setons, cutting deep inci- 



250 HiSTOllY OF THE ToWN OF PeRU. 

sions along tlie spine and bleeding. One doctor treated him lib- 
erally with a bed full of boiled potatoes, jugs of hot water, and 
bountiful potations of gin and lobelia. Another ordered a tub of 
cold water, and a liberal pile of stones heated. The patient was 
placed over the tub and a quilt thrown over him, the hot stones 
were init in the water till patient was in a high state of perspira- 
tion. He was then placed in a bed and lobelia freely administered. 
On his last visit, When the patient had attained to a desirable state 
of vomiting, tlie doctor left to attend to other duties. When the 
sick man had vomited to his heart's content, the inexorable lobelia 
would give him no respite, nor cease its demands on his heaving 
stomach. When he had continued to vomit 12 hours, his attendant 
became alarmed and resorted to pigweed tea to counteract the lo- 
belia. This restored quiet to the stomach, and the invalid came 
out of tlie contest, receiving no benefit, except the pleasure of vom- 
iting 12 hours. Prom this time his patronage of Tomsonions was 
not extensive. In 1810 Mr. Trask fell from a load of hay while 
riding from the field, whither he had gone to oversee some work. 
The injury occasioned by this fall brong'ht on a fever which pros- 
trated him for several months. He finally recovered from the 
fever, but the disease of spine grev\^ worse. 

At this period there was a parting of the vertebrae of neck and 
back. This was attended with a noise like the low crack of a whip 
or of the finger joints, which was distinctly heard by persons who 
chanced to be present. When this occurred, the invalid experienced 
a shock and fell prostrate, and was unable to rise or move for an 
hour or more. Tlie top of the head was numb, dizziness and par- 
tial blindness followed. Medical aid was sought. The doctor, 
supposing the difficulty to be caused by a rush of blood to the head, 
resorted to bleeding. This only reduced the patient and made him 
worse. The wonder is that he lived through it all. One only of 
the twenty-one physicians had sense enough to give advice without 
treatment. That was Dr. A. !R. Kittridge of Paris, who, after 
careful examination, told the patient that his case was hopeless 
and advised him to spend no more money for medicine or medical 
aid, but ]\Ir. Trask did not fully despair of recovery. Chancing 
one day in 1843 to pick up a hand bill of Dr. S. C. Hewett of 
Boston, boasting of the marvelous cures he had wrought, Mr. Trask 
resolved to try again for the recovery of health. Excepting the 
farm, his finances had run low. With the remnant he went to 
Boston and tarried with Dr. Hewett three weeks, enduring hot 



History of the Town of Peru 251 

water treatment and attempts to straighten him by mechanical 
force till his waning strength failed and his body could endure no 
more. From the time he returned from Boston, till 1857, when 
his biographical history was written, his neck and back continued 
to curve more and more every year, drawing his head downward 
upon his breast till there remained but little room to press it fartlier 
without stopping entirely the movements of the jaws. Notwith- 
standing his infirmities, Mr. Trask continued to labor for a liveli- 
hood and sustenance for himself and family, yet he was totally un- 
able to perform the principal portion of farm work. A few kinds 
he could do tolerably well. He could hoe very well, working back- 
wards instead of forward. He was advised to throw himself upon 
the town, and told that a man in his condition ought not to labor, 
that such pauperism could not be considered a disgrace. But his 
soul revolted at the thought. In those days, paupers and slaves 
were sold at the auction block. 

His historian, Sumner K. ISTewell, Esq., says that farming being 
so hard for him, and the result of his labor of so little income, that 
he tried peddling small articles of traffic, but his success was de- 
feated by his uncouth figure and deformity. The ladies and chil- 
dren were frequently frightened, and fled whenever he niade a call. 
Having occasion on a certain time to go a short distance from 
home, he was walking very slowly, as usual, when he heard a sudden 
crash ahead. Being unable to see but a few feet before him with- 
out bending backwards, he halted to see the cause. A few rods in 
front he saw a horse and carriage. The horse was attempting to 
"right about face," to "beat a retreat." xV gentleman and lady, 
the occupants of the carriage, were in the act of alighting upon a 
hedge fence, whither they had been thrown by the fi'iglitened horse. 
To go to their relief would only make matters worse. Pie therefore 
remained quiet. When the horse had been quieted and order re- 
stored, the exasperated gentleman, with whip uplifted, advanced 
upon the innocent cripple, saying: "You nuisance, why are you 
here frightening my horse? I will teach you better manners! I 
will flog 3'Ou out of your skin !"' Tlie cripple being unable to re- 
treat, plead innocence and asked pardon for the ofl'ence. On learn- 
ing the state of the case, and finding it was not a trick, tlu^ man's 
wrath abated, so he let the invalid off without a thrashing. He 
retired, saying : "Such a man had no right to appear in the streets 
but if he must go out the community ouglit to furnisli him wiiii a 
horse and carriage." On account of Mr. Trask's strange and pe- 



252 History of the Town of Peru 

culiar i'onu;, many t-howiiieu liave attempted to liire liim to go 
before the public on exhibition for pay, but lie would not consent. 
As he viewed it, if his singular form presented a subject of curi- 
osity and wonder, it sJiould be free to every one. He did consent, 
however, to accompany his historian to Xew York, carrying with 
them a pamphlet edition, 34 pages, size 4 by 6 inches, "A brief 
historical sketch of the life and sufferings of Leonard Trask, the 
wonderful invalid." They sold the books at five or ten cents each 
to whoever they met and would buy. The sight of the man on 
the streets of the city induced many to buy. Of course their ex- 
penses were considera,ble. His neighbors yet living say that Mr. 
Trask did not profit much by the transaction. He related how a 
doctor in ISTew York offered to give $500 for his body when he 
should die. This talk led his family to fear, about four years later, 
that his grave would be robbed, when a night watch was kept some 
two weeks. AYriter knew this man well for a term of years; was 
at his bedside about two weeks prior to his death, and has personal 
knowledge that his condition is not overdrawn or too highly col- 
ored, except tlie space in the cut from top of head to shoulder is 
twice too long. 

The children of Leonard Trask born in Peru : — Susan Holman 
Trask, b. Apr. 8, 1833, m. Patrick Darrington; Orville K., b. Mar. 
15, 1835, m. Sophia Smith in Livermore. He was Must. Co. I, 
23d Me. Vols., Sept. 29, 1862, d. of small-pox in army service, 
Mar. 18, 1863: Sarali Elizabeth, b. Sept. IS, 1837, m. Columbus 
Oldham; Wm. Henry H., h. June 23, 1840. When 21 he was 
Must. Oct. 4, 1861, Co. H, 10th Me. Regt. At close of war service 
he m. Jan. 17, 1864, Betsey L., dau. of John C. AYvman and set- 
tled on home farm. Son, Bion, b. 1866, d. 1888 of consumption. 
Wife b. 1837, d. July 25, 1874. He m. (2nd) Mar. 6, 1882, Flora 
E. Philbriclc of Roxbury. Children, Charles and Bert. The lat- 
ter is on borne farm. Parent, Wm. H., d. Apr. 9, 1903, of army 
disability. Widow got a pension; accrued due husband, over $700. 
Her attorney deposited most of it in savings bank for her. Had 
a guardian held the same in trust, it might liave benefited the 
needy woman. As it was. she fooled it away. Widow, Flora E. 
Trask, d. in Lewiston, May 12, 1910. Fanny Hall Trask, b. June 
11, 1842, m. Jan., 1869, Alanson Lovejoy, "widowed," of Paris. 
It is claimed ho Avas in army service. His grave, unmarked, is in 
Pond cemetery, beside wife. Wife d. Oct. 13, 1894. 



History of the Town of Vkru 253 

Catherine Knight Trask, b. Nov., 1844, m. Wm. Quimby, ISTorth 
Turner; Albion K. Trask, b. Oct. 20, 1846, m. Pub., Oct. 15, 1869, 
Amanda M., dau. of Aaron P. Cox. iSTo issue. Mr. Trask was a 
farmer and cream gatherer; res., east side of Worthly pond. He 
went with load of cream, Oct. 17, 1900, to East Peru E. R. station. 
He took a can of cream from cart and swung it to platform, fell, 
and life was extinct. He had a weak heart. This family were 
highly esteemed and good Grangers. Widow's res. on the Philo 
Poland farm carried on by her brother. Wm. H. Cox, whose home 
is with her. Eunice, the widow of Leonard Trask, remarried July 
26, 1863, iSTathaniel Benjamin in East Livermore. He d. Widow 
m. (3d) Pub., Nov. 5, 1868, Amasa Pieed in Wilton. Eunice 
Eeed, b. Nov. 11, 1809, d. Dec. 10, 1893, ae. 84 years and 29 days. 

Tracy Family 

The Tracy families of Franklin and Peru are of English origin. 
The earliest progenitor known was Jonathan Tracy, an English- 
man and a pioneer settler in Gouldsboro, ^le., in 1762. He m. 
and had a son, Samuel Trac}", Avho evidently m. and had three 
sons, Hewey, Didymus and Wheeler, of whom the latter at least 
was b. in Lisbon, Me., 1797, where his wife, Nancy Gould, b. the 
same year, was a resident. This couple were residents of Liver- 
more at the date of the birth of their first child, Stephen G., b. 
in 1821. Their other children were Orrin, Daniel, Mary, Justin 
T. and Granville L. Marriage. Stephen G. Tracy, m. Apr. 1, 
1841, in Peru, Mary C, b. in Peru, the dau. of John Eeddin and 
Hannah (Canwell). When 40 years of age this man Tracy en- 
listed from Franklin in 1861, a Pvt., Co. D, 12th Eegt. Me. A'ols., 
and d. in 1862 in the L^. S. service at Ship Island. Probably hu 
unmarked grave there. Co. D generally was Must. Nov. 15, 18 il 
but Adjt. Genl.'s report of 1861 fails to give date of Must, of the 
last tvrelve of this Co., and the Must, of this soldier is omitted. 
The parents, Wheeler and Nancy Tracy, and family, remov-d to 
Franklin in early twenties, occupying first a rude camp, next a 
more subs'antial structure, and about 1827 he remj"ed to tlie 
Amos Kyle place, now owned by Benj. D. Wyman, Dickvale. 

Wheeler Tracy, b. 1797, d. 1878: Nancy Tracy, b. 1797, d. 
1881. Mr. Tracy was a small-sized man and fearless. It is re- 
lated when on his way to a day's work early one morning he saw 
ahead in his path a huge black bear sitting up; he made a jump 
at the bear, and, swinging his hoe for a club, gave a yell, and Mr. 



254 History of the Town of Peru 

Bruin ran for liis life. The following incidents afford a glimpse 
of this man's pioneer life in the borders of Peru. A partially de- 
cayed tree was standing near his camp; fearing it might do injury, 
he proceeded to cut it down. While thus engaged, a gust of wind 
carried it onto the camp, smashing the pantry and a cream-pot 
full of cream. John Canwell, a great lover of cream, viewing the 
ruins, exclaimed with emotion: "I wish all that cream was down 
my throat!" 

Orrin Tracy, m. Pub., Feb. 24, 1863, Sarah V. Whitman of 
Hanover. No issue. Ees., Oxford, Me. Daniel Tracy, b. per- 
haps in Livermore about Jan. 8, 1833, d. in Canton, Oct. 8, 1862. 
He m. around 1847, Eveline C. Whitman, dau. of Daniel Whitman 
of Mexico, Me. Children :— Charles A., b. Oct. 20, 1847, is con- 
tractor and mason at 29 Knapp St., Livermore Palls; Clifford M., 
b. June 20, 1857, res., Livermore; a dau. d. ae. about one year; 
Chas. A., m. July 25, 1875, Ida L. Whitman of Dixfield; Clifford 
M., m., 1880, Ada Eaton of Andover, Me. The descendants main- 
tain the high standing and integrity of their ancestors. Mary E. 
Tracy, b. 1825, m. Ezekiel Lovejoy. They had two children: — 
Orill, b. Aug. 18, 1845, now Widow G-owell at West Peru; Susan, 
m. David Morse, father of Everett Morse of West Peru. Justin 
T. Tracy and wife, Priscilla Y., res. Auburn. Their children : — 
Hannah Adelia, b. Nov. 17, 1855; Mary Ella, b. Apr. 25, 1857. 
Mr. Tracy, formerly a jobber, is now past labor. Granville L. 
Tracy, the last child of Wheeler and Nancy, was b. in Peru, m. 
Pub., July 22, 1864, Eliza M. Gowell, widow of Eobert Gowell 
and dau. of 'Squire Bisliop, formerly of Peru. Mr. Tracy earned 
the title of Bev. many years ago. He has served in the ministry 
thirty-eig'ht years. He formerly resided in Oxford, Mo. He lives 
in Wilton, 1910. He was one of Peru's four sons wlio chose the 
ministry as a profession without a theological course of study. 
He is called an interesting speaker, a ^letliodist now. The other 
ministers ^vBre Azel Lovejoy, Jr., Sumner Eobinson, Jr., and Lewis 
C. Putnam; all four honorable and upright, above reproach. 

Children of Stephen G. and Mary C. (Eeddin) Tracy b. in 
Peru : — Wheeler, b. in 1843, ae. 18, single, was Must, from Peru, 
Sept. 7, 1861, in U. S. service, Co. C, 8th Eegt. Me. Inf. Vols. He 
d. on Tybee Island, 1862; grave there. Government markers to 
him and his father in family lot, Franklin Cem. Charles J., m. 
Melissa J., dau. of Jackson Farnum. They are well-to-do farmers 
at Dickvale. Their dau., Nellie L., is school teacher. Deborah 
A., m. Pub., Nathaniel Farnum in 1868; res., Woodstock. Nancy 



HiSTOKV OF THE TOW^T OF PeEU 255 

J., b. 1848, d. 18G3; Henry B., b. Apr. 28, 1850, is a E. E. man; 
res., Stoughton, Mass. Ella A., b. d. Henry B., ni. Lillian, dan. 
of Cyrus Tucker in Woodstock, Me. Children: — Augustus ^Y., h. 
in Woodstock; Alice C; Ethel L., b. in Stoughton; Osborn 0., b. 
May 26, 1851, m. Julia TI. Eobinson of Fayette, b. Juno 1, 1858, 
d. Nov. 7, 1907. Left dau., Grace M. This man served on the 
board of municipal officers of Peru, 1909-10. All the brothers 
living have served that office at some period. Eoscoe S., b. Dee. 
1, 1857, m. Jan. 27, 1887, Alma B., dau. of Samuel Hammon, Jr. 
Tlieir children: — Mildred A., Maurice E., Gerald, Eose L., b. May 
23, 1860, m. Aaron E. Stevens in Milton, d. Apr. 13, 1907. Eos- 
coe S. has been mail carrier, E. F. D. No. 1, since Nov. 1, 1904, 
making a trip of 27 miles daily from and to West Peru P. 0. One 
son d. at the age of three months. 

Statements of Chas. A. Tracy of Livermore Falls, son of Dr. 
Daniel S. Tracy : "I think father was b. on Severy Hill, in 
Oarthage, in 1822. I do not know liow long he lived in Peru or 
Franklin. He studied medicine with Dr. Geo. W. Turner in Dix- 
field and graduated from Bowdoin Coll., May 15, 1817, and com- 
menced practice in Dixfield, and moved to Canton and removed to 
Mexico in fall of 1861. In spring of 1862 he removed to Norway. 
The following summer he was appointed surgeon of the 10th Eegt. 
Me. Vols, by Gov. Israel Washburn, to fill a vacancy caused by 
resignation. Dr. Tracy left home for the army, Aug. 8, 1862, and 
joined command the 10th. He served with his command in the 
field nearly two months when he was prostrated with sickness and 
forced to return home. On his way he met a neighbor in Port- 
land, who informed him that his wife was then on a visit at Can- 
ton, when he decided to come to Canton, and when there he was 
too sick to be removed and d. there in hotel, Oct. 8, 1862. His 
grave is in Pine Woods Cem., bearing a headstone with date and 
age, 39 years, nine months. His widow remarried E. W. Allen in 
Canton, where she d. Feb. 15, 1890." 

Turner Genealogy 

Humphrey Turner, the tanner, came from Essex, England, and 
settled in Scituate, in the. Colony of New Plymouth, about the 
year 1628. He brought with him him four children, and had four 
afterwards. His wife was Lydia Gamer. Their vson, Joseph, 
never m. Their daughters were, in part, Lydia, m. James Dough- 
ty; Mary, m. William Parker. The venerable Charles Turner, b. 



256 History of the Town or Peru 

in Scituate, Co. of Plymouth, Mass., Sept. 27, 0. S. 1705, m. 
Eunice James, and d. Oct. 3, N, g,^ i782, ae. 77 years, five days. 
His wife b. Jan. 27, 0. S. 1707, d. Aug. 15, 1798, ae. 91 'years, six 
months, 18 days. They had seven children. Their oldest son. 
Rev. Charles, b. in Scituate, Mass., Oct. 2G, 0. S. 1732; graduated 
at Harvard Coll., 1752; settled minister at Duxbury, 1755; elected 
senator, Mass., 1773-1788, 15 years. Member of convention that 
ratified U. S. Constitution in 1788. In 1791 he removed his 
family to to^vn of Turner, Dist. of Maine. In 1803 was a mem- 
ber of College of Electors for choice of Pres. and Vice Pres., and 
visited Boston last time on that official duty. He d. in Turner 
in 1818, in the 86th year of his age. As a minister and patriot 
he was conspicuous and a man without reproach. Tlie General 
Court of Mass. gave to Sylvester Plantation on its incorporation 
the name of Turner, from the great respect it held for the charac- 
ter and service of the Rev. Charles Turner. His wife was Mary 
Rand; had eight children. Col. William, the youngest son of 
venerable Charles, grad. Harvard, 1767, had two wives. (1st) 
Elizabeth Oakman, and (2nd) Eunice Clapp. The oldest child 
by second wife was Wm. Turner: the youngest child by second 
wife was George Turner. 

Col. William Turner, the youngest son of the venerable Charles 
Turner, graduated at Harvard in 1767. At tlic commencement 
of the Revolution he raised a Oo. of volunteers in Scituate and 
marched for the relief of Boston. In opening the effective bat- 
teries upon Dorchester Heights, he displayed the intrepidity of 
his character, and was soon afterwards appointed aid to Gen. 
Washington, with the rank of Maj. He served in every active 
campaign of the Revolution, though when the army retired into 
winter quarters he generally repaired to his family or to the halls 
of legislation. In 1777 and 1778 he was a member of the General 
Court of Mass. He was also a member of the convention which 
formed the Constitution of that state, and also of a Special Con- 
gress of Delegates which was holden at Concord to adjust the 
public currency; but whenever the spring opened and the army 
again took the field, Maj. Turner, like a true bird of passage, was 
seen annually flying to the standard of liis country. He served 
at different periods of the war as aid to Genls. Washington, Lee, 
Greene, Lincoln and Knox. After the close of the Revolution 
he served for a few years in the Legislature, a? representative 
from Scituate. In 1801 he removed his family to Turner, where 
he d. in 1S07, ae. 62, and Avhere a suitable monument has been 



llisroKv OK rill-; Towx of Vkkit -^oT' 

crectetl lo lii> iiicmoi'v by liis dan.. ]\lrs. Oriens n\unphrcv oL' 
Boston. 

Col. Win. Tuiiicr. iii. (1st) Elizabeth Oakiiian, ('-^nd) 1-^unice 
Olapp. Had 11 childi-i'ii. Oblest. William Turner, who m. Bet- 
se,y Smith; Betty Tvirner, who in. .loseph Tilden ; Xoa Turner, 
who d. Dec. 12, I8I0; Charles Lee, b. 1??T, m. C'ascarilla Child, 
dan. of Dr. Child of Turner, d. Oct. 9, 1858, ae. 81 years; Stephen, 
d. 1814, on Canadian frontier, ni. Nabby Cooper; Eunice, m. Mar- 
tin Burr; Fanny, m. Wm. Lee; Oriens, ni. Benj. Humphrey; 
Xancy, m. Briggs Sampson; Aphia, u. m. ; (xeorge, the youngest, 
d. Dec. 5, 1793. 

The Eev. Chas. Turner, son of venerable Charles, who m. Mary 
Eand, had a dau., Eunice, who m. James Torrey of Scituate. 
Their children were : — William T. Torre}^, a graduate of Harvard 
Coll.; Eunice, Charles, Sally E., Harriett, and Grace Torrey. 
Wm. T. Torrey, m. Elimbetli James; Chas. Torre}', m. Hannah T. 
Turner. James Torrey, son of James T. (author of table), 111. 
Bethia Clapp. Had 10 children, ^lavy T., Wm. H., who m. 
Mary H. Howe, Horatio, Elijah C, and Charles Torrey, who m. 
Ruth Turner. Their children were Harriett W. and Perkins C. 
This family and tlieir parents lived many years and d. at Xorth 
Turner. They had an elegant residence about a mile from the 
village. Chas. Torrey d. Xov. 7, 1870. 

The Turner families of the towns of Turner, Livermore, Peru, 
Guilford, and scattered about in many other towns, are lineal des- 
cendants of Humphrey and Lydia (Gamer) Turner of Plssex, 
England. They had, as stated, eight children. The fourth in 
the chronological table was John, who m. Mary Brewster. They 
had 12 children. The ninth was John, Jr., who ni. Abigail 
Podeshall. They had seven children. The seventh and last was 
named Abiel (as then spelled). Abiel m. Elizabeth Pobinson. 
They had 10 children, as follows : — Robinson, Peggy, and Bethia, 
did not live to marry: Xabl)y. m. Benj. Thomas; Anna, m. Syl- 
vanus Hatch : Bethia, m. Joseph Tolman; Martha, m. Elijah Clapp; 
Abial, Jr., m. Luzanna Sylvester; Rowland, m. Hannah Shev- 
eriek. Continuing the branch in pursuit. Abial, Jr., and wife, 
Luzanna Turner, had eight children, as follows: — Hannah, m. 
Daniel Child, son of Dr. Daniel Child, who came to Turner, 1801; 
Pegg}'', and Peggy did not live to nuirry ; Robinson, b. in Scituate, 
Mass., Sept. 12, 1767: Clarissa, John. Ephraim, Abial, Jr., 2nd. 
The last three brothers were early settlers in T>ivei-iriore. Some 
of their descendants are yet living there. 



258 History of the Town of Peru 

Eobinson Turner, son of Abial, Jr., and Ltizanna Turner, m. 
Lillis Ford of Duxbury, Ma5^=., about 1788. She was b." Apr. 13, 
1767. Her mother's maiden name was Sarah Gannett. She m. 
(1st) Daniel Pettengill, wlio was tlie grandfather of Waldo Pet- 
tengill's grandfather, had a son and dau., of whom Comfort Pet- 
tengill of Livermore Falls and Polly Pettengill, wife of Perkins, 
a son of Robinson Turner, were descendants. Pettengill Avas 
killed by overturn of load of masts. Widow m. (2nd), May 10, 
1766, Amos Ford and had the dau., Lillis, mentioned. Eobin- 
son, after marriage, Ywcd (1st) at Duxbury, Mass., where their 
son, Bradish Turner, was b., Mar. 22, 1789, There were 11 
births, seven single and four double, in this family; 15 children. 
13 of whom are named. Their first, Eobinson, Jr., d. young. 
Perkins and Clara, b. Jan. 31, 1794:; x\mop, b. Aug. 7, 1796, in 
Turner, on Genl. Turner Hill, and rest of the children b. there. 
Robinson, Jr., b, July 27, 1799; Sally and T^urana, twins, no 
date: Sally d. Sept. 23, 1835. Elizabeth, b. Jan. 1, 1801; Lucy, 
b. Aug. 13, 1806; Ann, b. Sept. 25, 1808; John and Howard, b. 
Ma3^ 12, 1811; Saphrona, no date. Sally fell from a horse, in- 
jured head and brain, rendering her a crijsple and pauper. 

Bradish Turner and wife, Abigail, b. in Hanover, Mass., Mar. 
22, 1782. Had children :— Lydia, b. 1812, d. Feb. 2, 1858 ; Lura- 
nia, b. Apr. 11, 1813, m. Everett Conant of Turner, a farmer, 
whose farm ^"oined that of Bradish Turner, one mile from Turner 
Vill., and raised a family of nine children, of whom Sarah L. d. 
Jan. 13, 1870, ae. 17 years; Howard T., b. 1812, was a soldier. 
23d Me., m., has five daughters grown up. He became successor 
on the Bradish Turner Farm, where he cared for his mother and 
the surviving members of his grandfather's family, of whom 
Saphronia, b. Apr. 6, 1819, was living in 1909 and at the spinning 
wheel. Everett Conant d. Dec. 28, 1868, ae. 59 years, eight 
months. His wife d. Aug. 11, 1892. Abigail Turner, b. 1815, 
d. Sept. 27, 1849. James Bailey, b. Oct. 6, 1817, m. Apr. 26, 
1846, Dolly E. Beedy of Phillips. His res. was Wayne A^l. He 
ran a sash and blind factory several years. They had two daugh- 
ters. Howard T. Conant, d. at home farm, Feb. 19, 1911, ae. 
about 70 3'ears, leaving six daughters: — Mrs. Clifton Davis, Minot; 
Mrs. Chas. Hodgdon, Waterville; Mrs. Chas. Lothrop, Auburn; 
Mrs. Ernest Staples, Mrs. George Sampson and Miss Etta Conant 
in Turner. She has always lived at home and faithfully took 
care of her mother, who d. several years ago, and her father. Son, 
Frank, d. a few vears ago. Two brothers survive, Sanford of 



History of the Towx of Peru 259 

Hartford, and Edwin in Oliio, and a brother-in-law, John Atkins, 
in Turner. He leaves five grandchildren and one great-grand- 
child. 

Bradish Sylvester, b. Ma}'' 15, 1831, lived and cared for parents 
on the home farm; did not m. He was a devoted Christian, a 
member of the Baptist church. He d. Feb. 3, 1898, ae, 76 years. 
Leonard, b. 1824, d. Feb. 33, 1857; u. m. He was thought to be 
the flower of the family and to fond parent a child of much prom- 
ise ; had talent for music. Alas ! the flower was plucked too soon. 

Bradish Turner worked at the trade of barn builder many 
years. Later he established a soap manufactory on his farm. He 
did a flourishing business in connection with farming. He and 
all his family were devoted Christians, members of the Baptist 
church, and were held in high esteem by all. He was the life of 
a social meeting in song and exhortation. He d. Apr. 11, 1883, 
ae. 93 years, 10 months. His wife, x\bigail, d. Feb. 19, 1873, ae. 
91 years, 11 months. Miss Saphronia, the last child and the old- 
est member in Turner Baptist church, was called to her reward 
Mar. 30, 1911. She was a woman of unfailing faith. The Bible 
and '"The Zion's Advocate" were her great sources of delight. 

Eobinson Turner was by occupation a house carpenter and 
hewer of timljer. He removed with a portion of his family from 
Turner to Township 'No. 1, and lot ISTo. 1, bordering on Jay line, 
Canton, as early as 1813. Eecords show he was chosen one of the 
school committee in 1813. July 1, 1814, Isaac Eobinson of said 
Township conveyed to him, by warranty deed, one-half of said 
lot, 50 acres, "more or less," where he settled. It is today the 
Geo. Libby farm. The consideration in the deed is $89. In 1816, 
the year noted for killing frosts, bread was scarce. This man se- 
cured two silver dollars. He walked to Wayne Till, by spotted 
trees, 35 miles, paid $3 for a bushel of rye meal and carried the 
meal home on his shoulder, and the children sat up till 13 o'clock 
that night waiting for the rye cake, liaked in the s]:)ider on the 
hearth, for their supper. Among the number was Eobinson, Jr. 
Bradish, the oldest, had m. and settled in Turner about 1811. 
Perkins and Amos and several of the girls worked away. Still 
the family was large, their house small and they were poor. There 
was no barn to store crops, and but little farming done for several 
years. The head of the family worked at his trade, serving the 
neighbors. He grew a patch of flax, which kept the women busy 
carding and spinning tow and weaving tow cloth for family ap- 
parel. The son, Eobinson, told how he wore pants and shii-fs, one 



260 MrsTOHY of the Town of I'kku 

suit la.-tinL;- just a vcar. and the slu'ieves oi' flax, still adherino- to 
the cloth, would often ehat'e the skin to a painful degree. This 
son. the year he was of age, 18"30, logged to mill lumber, and 
hiiilt a new set of farm buildings, which, as remodeled, are yet 
in use. 'IMie town line, Peru antl Canton, going south from the 
]'iver, di\ided the house and chimney at the center. In Sept., 
1830, the parent Jiobinson deeded to son one-half of his land pur- 
chase, it being the easterly half on town line. His Jiouse was on 
the knoll a few rods above the present house. And thus they 
continued to occupy till the spring of 18o(), when his wife's health 
failing, he sold the remainder of his land to IJobinson, Jr., and 
soon after broke up housekeeping and went to live with Robinson, 
Jr., in his last years. 

Eobinson Turner was strong and vigorous, and with the ex- 
ception of rheumatic lameness was well and active. Though he 
was not I'equired to do any hd)or, he chose to liew the mill beams 
(18 inches square) for son's grist mill in 18-14, when about 77 
years old. Xo man could do a better job with a broad axe. He 
lived a devoted Christian life. He had great regard for Baptist 
Conference and was a constant attendant. His wife, Lillis, Avent 
to live with dan., Liicy, and husband, Jefferson Hall, then living 
on the farm owned by AVarren F. Curtis at Worthly pond. She 
d. there Oct. 19, 1841, ae. 74 years, six months, and was buried 
in the Turner lots in Merrill Knight Cem., where rest her hus- 
band, and son, Robinson, Ji-., with his two wives and dau., Lau- 
ra ette. 

Perkins Turner, while making a clearing and preparing to 
build, found an old Indian camp on his lot of land. Indians were 
seen occasionally passing. Bones and hair were found in bed of 
brook, evidenth^ •washed from Indian grave on embankment. An 
Indian stone gauge is in the family relics, also a mortar and pestle 
used bv hat makers. 

Perkins Turner, when a young man, h'arned the trade of hat- 
ter. He and one Moses Dennett, at East Peru, 182'?, engaged in 
the manufacture of fall fur hats tliat weie in i'ashion in the earl}' 
twenties. They were fashioned l)y luind. made of fur taken from 
skins of beavers attached to silk fal)ric. There was a new method 
of making iiats l)y machinery sooji after tliat ended hand make, and 
Perkins Turner liegan the life of a farmer. He purchased of 
James Lunt the lot of land bordering on tl)e Androscogo'in river 
at Moore's Rips (so-called), so minu'd by the Anasaoimticook In- 
dians at Cam|) Hocomeco. He continued here tlirough life. His 



History of the Towx of Pfku '^JOl 

survivors, Marv A. J);il)li. Ihm' son. Aiuos A., atid lirandsoii. own 
and occwpv the premises. 

Perkins TurucM- in., IS-j-i. I'ully Petteugill, the (hiu. of Mathew 
and JJethia (Ford) l'cltenj;ill. Each of tliis married couple had 
one coninion aut-estor in Sarah Gannett. Oliver AA'endell Holmes 
once spoke of his long, way-oft' cousin. This nearness of kin failed 
to roh the next generation of abundance of wit. The following 
repartee is from dau., Mary Ann. Speaking of this relation having 
fools for ehildien, sht' tells writer that his father once kept com- 
])any with her mother's sister. "Betse}'/' who ex2)ected him to 
marry her, but instead he married Betsey Benson. She adds: 
••^'(JU may be very thankful that you escaped being a half-wit, as 
1 am."" JkC'gardless of kin, writer finds her more than his mtach. 
Children :— Augustus M., b. Jan. 'i, IS'U, d. Feb. 21, 1853, m. 
Jan. 14, 185U, at Xorth Monmouth, Jane X., b. Sept. 19, 1822, 
dau. of Jairus ^fanwell of W'ayne. Had son, Augustus Eodol- 
phus, b. Sept. 3, 185";;. This man bought a sawmill and water 
power that he operated at North ]\[onmouth. He was ambitious, 
took a severe cold, and d. of fever. His widow d. May 16, 1896. 
Their graves are unmaked in cemetery, not far from Leeds Ctr., 
over the hill. west. He is remembered for his sallies of wit. It 
was hard to corner him. It is due to Pettengill personage. Au- 
gustus Ii., ni. a lady in West Mt. \'ernon. Had cliildren: — Wal- 
ter, who d. y(mng; Eleon ^Tay. m. Husband and two children 
dead. Wife in Mt. A'crnon died. He ni. {2nd) Ida Manchester, 
"widow,"' was Miss Anderson of X. H. Xo issue. This iium 
and wife were on board the ill-fated steamer Portland that went 
to the bottom of the sea, tlie "^Tth of Xov,, 1898. Their bodies 
were sought for and never found of those washed ashore. Mr. 
Turner was engaged in canvassing for and compiling registers a 
term of years. The next cliild of Perkins was Amos, b. Sept. 11. 
lH2'i, d. Feb. 9, 183-^; ^Mary Ann, b. Dec. 11, 1830. m. Ilezekiah 
AY. Babb; Amos, b. Sept. 23, 1833. d. Sept. 19. 186(), m. ,\Iar. 6, 
]86"^. Emma, b. IS-tl, dau. ol' h^dward Barbar. Children: — Alice, 
b. Dec. :;?3, 1864, d. 1866: Howard, b. Afar. 2. 1863; Henry. I). 
,hine T, 1866. d. Sej)!. V^S. J.SIiii. 

Family of Amos Turnei'. the son of IJobinson Turner. Si-. ; mar- 
I'iage to Miss Olive Bass: 

Olive Bass, b. Jan. -^3. 1800. ni. (1st) Dec. .^0, 18-il, Amos 
Turner, b. Turner, Aug. 28, 1796, d. Greene, Me., July 16, 1824, 
m. (2nd) May 28, 183.""). John Adams, b. 1797. d. Greene, Me., 
Dec. 9, 1838. She d. Mar. l."). 1839. Three children. 



263 History of the Town of Peru 

Jaiic Turner, b. Greene, jSTov. 6, 1822, m. May 10, 184:6, Salmon 
Tirrell, b. Oct. 12, 180T, d. Aug. 10, 1880. She d. Mar. 31, 1897. 
TavO children. Delia Maria Tirrell, b. Auburn, May 22, 1851, m. 
Apr. 4, 1873, Frank A. Wright. One child. Edith Louise Wright, 
b. Apr. 1, 1876; Salmon Tirrell, b. Sept. 19, 1855; Olive Turner, 
b. Turner, Aug. 1, 1824, m. Sept. 19, 1847, Wm. E. Wright, Lew- 
iston; ISTelson Whitman Adams, b. Greene, Apr. 29, 1836, m. Mary 
W. Burchard, b. Jan. 9, 1857. No children; res.. Turner Cent.; 
farmer. 

Amos Turner and family lived in the town of Greene, in village, 
above corner. He was laying shingles on the roof of the barn, 
known 30 years after as the Dea. Elijah Barrell barn. In the 
act of whittling a shingle, he drew knife towards body and blade 
slipped from shingle, inflicting fatal wound in abdomen. Eliza- 
beth Turner, m. Pliilip Andrew of England; Tiucy, m. Jefferson 
Hall of Peru. 

Robinson Turner, Jr. 

Pobinson Tunicj", Jr., was b. in Tui'ncr on Genl. Turner Hill 
(so-called), July 27, 1799. He came with parents to Peru when 
about 12 years of age. He continued with them, and when about 
21 he made preparation and built on town line of Peru and. Can- 
ton a set of buildings on easterly half of lot purchased by his father 
in 1814, when deed was given, and doubtless contracted for years 
before. He m. Feb. 8, 1830, Betse}'', the dau. of Ichabod and 
Betsey (Goodin) Benson. She was b. in Lewiston, May 15, 1808. 
When grown up she worked one fall ior Geo. Walker, doing house- 
work and dressing apples at fifty cents per week, store pay. She 
taught a term of school in the first schoolliouse built in town, in 
1829, . on Town House Hill, and the schoolhouse was the Town 
House. Children, four. First d. an infant. Hcllis, b. Dec. 28, 
1832; Lauraette, b. Aug. 31, 1840, d. Dec. 24, 1854; Alonzo :\rel- 
leu. b. Oct. 3, 1854. 

The subject of this sketch was engaged in farming and doing 
some town business till the spring of 1839, when he sold his farm 
to Capt. Peleg Mitchell of Turner and. removed to Peru Cent. 
Here he had purchased, ]\far. 22, 1832, thirty acres of land of 
Hezckiah Walker, Esq., adjoining James Lunt's mill lot, and 
I*^ov. 28, 1838, he purchased a few acres, with house and barn, of 
Jefferson Hall, then living on said lot. This land was a part of 
the mill lot. Lot N'o. 2 in town Plan., and adjoining the land pur- 
chased of Hezekiah Walker, that being the easterly part of Lot 




1844. ALOXZO M. TURNER. 



1864. 



HiSTOKY OF THE ToWX OF PfKU 2G3 

jSJ'o. 1, both iu liauge 1, Lunt's Lower Tract. The buildings of 
Hall occupied the ground where stand the buildings of Chas. H. 
Kidder. The house and ell were built new, and the old house 
moved back was made the wood-shed, in 1841. The granite door- 
steps fronting Eiver Eoad were cut and dressed by Thomas Brac- 
kett, oldest son of Maj. Wm. and Betty Brackett, a soldier of the 
Eevolution. The first mill here was built or owned by James 
Luut and so recognized in Plantation meeting, Apr. 6, 1820, when 
it was voted "that the road laid out from Benj. Fobes' to James 
Lunt's mill should be accepted, and discontinue the old one from 
Geo. Walker's to the River Eoad." There was much sickness in 
the family of Eobinson Turner, Jr., for 11: years. Wife, Betsey, 
was an invalid, suffering from spinal trouble induced by overwork, 
too much spinning and weaving. She was a Christian woman and 
had intercourse with the Heavenly Father. She never murmured, 
but was always clieerful and resigned to her lot. She d. Feb. 21, 
1852, ae. 43 years, nine months. 

Eohinson m. (2nd) Eleanor Sheffield, b. Sept. 9, 1815, the 
dau. of Geo. and Melinda Walker. She m, (1st) Nov. 22, 1833, 
Daniel 0. Sheffield, and had by him four children. He deserted 
family. She got a bill of divorce. She had by second marriage, 
son, Geo. E., b. Jan. 12. 1854. He is m. and living, last accounts, 
at Franklin Park, Mass. Eleanor d. Jan. 20, 1864. Eobinson' 
Turner sold his farm, mill and the most of goods in the fall of 
1864 and Vv'ent with son, Geo. E., to live with Howard Turner, a 
younger brother, in Guilford village. They were associates in a 
grist mill there about one year. He next located at Bretton's ilills, 
Livermore, where he bought of Seth Turner a gristmill, house and 
land. He was there tending the mill and boarding with a family 
in the house in Apr., 1866, when son, Hollis, returned from army 
sei'vice, Co. D, 12th Me., nnd at his parent's request settled and 
made a home for him the remainder of life. He m. Nov. 26, 
1866, Emily M., b. Apr. 23, 1842, dau. of Hiram and Judith Colby 
of Hill, N. H. One child, Cora E., b. Nov. 12, 1867, m. June 13, 
1886, in Peru, Elroy M. Gammon. Three children, Mary, b. ^Eay 
28, 1890, d. Dec. 23, 1894, of diphtheria; Louise Estelle, b. Aug. 
13, 1893; Hollis Stuart, b. June 19, 1895. Their mother d. Oct. 
23, 1907. 

Alonzo M. Turner did not marry. He enlisted in 2Tth Me., 
1864. Was wounded in hand, ' pending an engagement with the 
enemy, o-iven a furlouo-h homo. He next served an enlistment in 



264: HiSTOKY OF THE ToWX OF Pkijl' 

Home Guards, California. From that Jie eiitcrecl Cavalry service 
in regular army, term of enlistment five years. Had charge of a 
.mule loaded with l)aggage. in a ia\iiie out in t!ie wilds one dark 
night \\\\vu his eommand was .vun'ounded hy hostik' Indians, sound- 
ing the war-whoop. A desperate struggle folloA\-ed, and our hero 
brought tiie pack mule .<afely away. For that heroic conduct he 
was promoted to corporal. But such army life j)roved too strenu- 
ous for hmg duration. He had served about half of his term of 
enlistment, in the early summer of 1874. There was mention in 
the papers about that time of a large percent of unavailable army 
force, by reason of insanity, or partial derangement. Couimand 
was stationed 30 miles from base of supplies. Several, including 
this soldier, were given leave of absence to visit this post for the 
purpose of purchasing clothing, etc.. and some of them, including 
the subject of this sketch, privately informed the officer in charge 
of the squad that they might not return, but no objection was 
raised. They went and this soldier continued his tramp across 
the country, stopping occasionally to earn 1)y lal)or a little money 
to pay his bills. He was a good part of the summer and early fall 
reaching the southern part of Illinois. It was here his absence 
from his command was first revealed to writer. There came a tele- 
gram from a person unknown, saying your brother is about to be 
committed to the asylum. AVrote for further information and 
learned that he had been taken to Elgin asylum. lie had violated 
no law, nor offeied any harm, but said something favoring religion 
that displeased the hotel keeper where he stopped. Writer found 
liiui in normal condition of mind, sound and regular at the above 
institution, Xov. 29, 1874, and took him home to Livermore. He 
continued all right till the next IMarcli ; first symptoms, a distur- 
l)anci' of nerve force; walked the floor nights, at times laughing 
and dancing. One day he took a young high-spirited horse, turned 
loose from stable to door yard, and witli whip in hand gave first 
lesson of Hairy nu'thod. He secured ])rouipt obedience to every 
call and motion of whip; manoeuvred him al)Out several minutes 
and back to stall as though he was well trained. The next day 
he turned horse loose for second lesson. He took his position, 
whi]) raised in hand, gave command, when horse shook his head, 
kicked uj) both liiud h'gs and I'an away. There chanced to be 
several horses running at large about the village, and they all took 
a race down tlie road, folhnved 1)V tlie horse trainer, without bridle 



History oi- the Towx of Peru 2iJo 

or liaher. In about ion minutes the drove of horses came hack 
on iuU run, trainer on horse's back, horse under full control. As 
they turned the corner leading to stable under full speed, rider 
turned a somersault from back of horse over a picket fence landing 
in front yard, snow nearly two feet deep. xVcross the street was 
a store where several were viewing the free exhibition. Seeing 
they were much jjleased, he next turned somersault over picket 
fence, back and forth a few times. From this time on, lunacy 
increased and he was taken to Augusta asylum, where he remained 
till Xov. Eeturning to Livermore he spent the winter of 1875-6 
with writer, showing no signs of lunacy. In early .spring he desired 
to join a party of emigrants to California, declaring that he liked 
the climate there much better than in ]\[aine. Wiiter paid all 
expense and bills at Augusta and furnished all the money he de- 
sired to make the journe}'^ to California. He suffered but little 
from aberration of mind for several years. He was furnished a 
good home twenty-live years, approximately, at Napa State Hosp. 
While hitching up team to drive, he was suddenly stricken with 
heart failure, June 'i7, at 9.15 A. M., 1907. Grave at Hosp. Cem. 

The following is an extract from a letter written by Oharlena 
Greene Ketcham to writer, concerning this man: ^'4:21 Seminary 
St., Xapa City, California, Aug. 30, 1901. Dear Friend Hollis: — 
You will see by this that I am in Xapa, and yesterday w^alked out 
to the asylum, which is some ways from where I am stopping, but 
I am glad 1 went, for 1 saw your brother, Alonzo, who is well 
and looking line: he is a very nice looking num, and they all speak 
so well of him there; he is honest, trustworthy, and well liked. I 
only saw him for a short time, but he seemed to talk all i-ight ; in- 
quired about all my folks, etc.. and wanted to know if you were 
still station agent there (Peru). It is a nice place there and very 
nicely kept. They told me they had some 1400 patients. I am 
on my way to the southern ]>art of the state, and I shall visit my 
son in Nebraska, who was married the Gth of this month. T did 
not get to the wedding, as I wanted to see more of California." 

Hollis Turner sold his mill property at Livermore in the 
spring of 1S7{). In late fall of 1878 he removed to Peru and 
settled on the Marston Gerrish farm, then owned by 0. C. Hop- 
Icins, and purchased of him. This was his home till Sept., 1905. 
It was here he was bereft first of a grandchild. Mary Gammon: 
next his beloved wife: as she arose from bed, a])parently in full 



26Q HisTOEY OF THE Town of Peru 

vigor, at six o'clock A. M., Oct. 19, li)03, ^vas stricken senseless 
without a moment's warning, witli apoplex3^ and deceased about 
four P. M. A good woman was taken from the confines of earth 
like the snufEing out of a candle, and transported amid a retinue 
of angels to the Celestial City on high. This is no dream or delu- 
sion, but substantiated by positive evidence to writer at the time 
of events. If humanity was in closer touch with Divinity, there 
might be more revelations from the Angelic Host. In just four 
years and four days from date of death of Emily M. Turner, our 
only child, Mrs, Cora T. Gammon departed this life, firm in the 
faith of a Christian's hope that it will be well with her in the 
spirit land. Over one year aud a half, wj-iter kept bachelor's hall 
and carried on home farm, a little lonesome but independent. He 
m. May 1?, 1905, Sarah E. Eobinson, widow of Jacob Kobinson of 
Monmouth, Me. Her maiden name was Chick, dau. of Levi Jef- 
ferson and Cordelia F. (Allen) Chick. Her mother's father, Jo- 
seph Allen, was one of the three "first" settlers in Monmouth in 
1774. The family were farmers, came from Berwick. Chick was 
of Scotch descent and Allen of English. Sarah E. Chick was b. 
June 2, 1838, attended town schools, Litchfield and Monmouth 
Academies. She attended the last named school in 1855 and 
1856, when writer was assistant under Eev. F. Y. Norctoss ol; Dix- 
field. She was then reading Yirgil, and later read Horace. At 
the age of fifteen she began school teaching and followed it thirty 
years in succession, unmarried. She has regained lost time by 
marrying three times, and each time to a "widowed" husband. No 
issue. Her parents were members of Baptist church, the leading 
church in Monmouth when she was a girl and Ix'came a member. 
She is of fine culture and possesses a high order of intellectual en- 
dowments. She gains the friendship of all and seldom or never 
disj)leases. Eev. Mr. Xorcross was the o]ily clergyman preceptor 
Monmouth Academy ever had. He was instrumental in leading 
several of his pupils to accept Christ, and writer was one of the 
number l)aptized by Eev. T). B. Holt, T^fethodist pastor in illon- 
mouth. Eev. Mr. Norcross m. (1st) Martha L. Morrill of AVilton. 
He located in the ministry in Union, Me. Wife d. ISTo issue. He 
ni. Xov. -4, 1878. a dau. of Otis and Hannali Little. 1). in Bremen. 
Xov. 13, 1832, d. Nov. 7, 1909, at Newcastle, where they had lived 
since retirement from active ministr}^ No issue. He d. there 
Jan. 30, 1910, in his 81st year, after a short sickness of pneumonia. 




1833. MRS. vSARAH CHICK TURNER. 1911. 




MRS. EMILY M. TURXER---1842-1903. 




1854. GEO. R. TURNER. 1S70. 
Residence Franklin Park, Mass., 1911. 



History oh- the Toavx of Peru 36 T 

His only brother, of Portland, Oregon, ae. Si years, survives liim. 
A good man gone to his reward. 

Ann, dan. of Eobinson and Lillis Turner, b. ;Sept. 2o, 18US, ni., 
judging from birth of first cliild, about 1810, Abiather Briggs, 
b. 1800, d. Apr. 15, 1875, ae. 75 years, one month. Wife d. Feb. 
28, 1855. Their children :— Cyrus, b. Mar. 4, 1811, d. Oct. 5, 
1862, ae. 21 years; Lydia b. in Parkman, 181:6, m. Chas. Averill 
Morgan, 1869, and d. in Sangerville, Aug. 9, 1881. Husband d. 
in Guilford, May 19, 1897. Their children :— Mary Morgan, b. 
Sangerville, July 22, 1871, d. by accidental drowning Oct. 12, 
1896; Fred Morgan, b. June 20, 1873; Grace E. Morgan, b. Guil- 
ford, Feb. 2, 1875, both living; Eunice Briggs, b. 1847, d. July 
7, 1867, ae. 20; Charles Briggs, m. Dec. 12, 1871, Dora Houston. 
No children. Pes., Bangor. 

Howard, the son of Amos and Emma Turner, m. Apr. 18, 1886, 
Alice M. Jackson, dau. of Joseph and Mary, in Danville, Me. Chil- 
dren:— Nina L., b. Sept. 24, 1887, m. in Peru, Nov. 29, 1906, 
Wilmer B. Kidder. Their son, Donald W., b. June 10, 1907. Ed- 
ward H. Turner, b. Jan. 6, 1892, d. Sept. 13, 1908, death caused 
by drawing gun by muzzle from boat. There were four deaths in 
Maine from same cause that year. Beware how you handle the 
gun. AVidow, Emma Turner, remarried, Apr. 25, 1885, Wilson 
Stillman, "widowed." • No issue. Mr. Stillman erected the set of 
buildings at Peru Cent, now owned by Irving Kidder, of the firm of 
Kidder Bros., who carry on feed mill and general country store at 
Peru Cent. He was engaged blacksmithing, making and repairing 
carts and sleds a term of years up to liis death, Apr. 1, 1905. 
Widow, Emma Stillman. d. at the home of her niece, Mrs. Dennis 
A. Harriman, Bumford, Apr. 21. 1909. She was a Christian, 
strong in Universalist faith as taught her in childhood. She made 
it her duty to observe the Lord's day, and if possible attend church 
regularly. She had regard for her soul's interest and would not 
allow the allurements of worldly pleasure to deter her from observ- 
ing the commandments of God. 

Howard Turner, b. May 13. 1811, tlie son of Robinson Turner, 
Sr., m. Sept. 30, 1833, Betsey E.. Sargent, b. Aug. 4, 1813. Tliey 
lived at Guilford village, where lie d. Mar. 6. 1874, ae. 62 years, 
nine months, 23 days. She d. Aug. 13, 1897, ae. 84 years. Their 
children: — Pobinson, b. Mar. 17. 1834. m. 1874. A'raa Liscombin. 
>'o children. He d. Feb. 9, 1901. Wife living, Jui.y, 1907, ni 



2(SS HLsTUliY OF THE 'J'oWX Ol' PeKU 

SkowhegiUi. Julia L.. Ii. .laii. s. ls;JT, ni. l8()o. Daniel (.'rockett. 
He d. Sept. 11), 1880. Slu' d. Feh. :iO, 1885, leavijig foiii- children, 
mentioned elsewhcie. Zadoe L., 1). Aug. 6, 1838. ni. (1st) June 
2(), 1864, Samantha A. Bates of C'uiinna. iSo issue. She d. Oct. 
23, 1867, ae. 2-1 years, three months; m. (2nd) Dec. 25, 1873, Jen- 
nie L. Piper Hayden. Chihl, Chas. Piper Turner. The last son of 
Howard Turner was Cieo. Howard, 1). Dec. o, 1859, m. at Kineo, 
Me., Feb. 1, 1905, Minnie \'iola Kelley. One child, Julia Celeste 
Turner, b. Mar. 17, lUOd. They live at Kineo, Moosehead Lake. 
He is in store. The four children of Daniel and Julia L. Crockett 
are Annette J., b. Jan. 2, 1864, m. Sept. 23, 1885, Frank McAl- 
lister, who later deserted wife, divorced Oct. 8, 1891. She is living. 
1907, with married sister at Dorchester, ^lass. Howard H. Croc- 
kett, b. Jan. 15, 1867, d. June, 1891. 

Samantha A. Crockett, b. Sept. 19, 1870, m. John B. Glawson, 
July 22, 1890. Three children :— John B., Jr., b. Aug. 18, 1892; 
Howard D., b. Sept. 16, 1895; Geo. Eobinson, b. :N'ov. 8, 1896; 
all living in Dorchester, Mass. Daniel M. Crockett, b. Dec. 10, 
1873, m. Emma M. Coiburn, Dec. 10, 1902, Xeedham, Mass. 
Charles Piper Turner, b. Dec, 1859, m. Oct. 5, 1903, Bessie Flora 
Shepherd, and live at Guilford. This branch of the Turner family 
were smart, enterprising, of Christian character, and ranked with 
the leading citizens. The parent kept the hotel in the village a 
term of years, and was followed by son, Eobinson. He also was 
concerned in the gristmill there. In politics tliey favored Democ- 
racy, and in religion were Tniversalist sound. They participated 
in town affairs. Eobinson was chosen moderator of town meetings 
a term of years. Such are the vicissitudes of life, that at the out- 
break of the Civil War he chanced to l)e doing business South. 
After the war pix)gressed, he was forced to enter the Confederate 
service. The 8tli of March. 1862. found him an under officer on 
board the Merrimac during the destructi(m of the Cumberland, and 
her battle with tlie ]\Ionitor on the morning of the 9th. When the 
Merrimac was abandoned, he deemed term of service ended and 
returned home to Maine. 

EHphalet Tucker 

Eliphalet Tucker removed from Poland to the Josiah Hall farm. 
At March meeting, 1829. he was chosen school agent. He had 
nine licildren:— AVilliaiii. b. in Poland. 1810, m. Evdia. b. 1812, 



History of tiii': Towx of Pfku 269 

dau. oi' Lt'vi Liidden, in i*eni ; Cliaiidler, in., li\i'(l and d. in Illi- 
nois; Eufus, m. in Ma?;s., d. in Illniois ; Isaac, h. in Peru, 1821), 
went to X. H. last known; Eacliel P. T., m. Pnb., Aug. 10, 1845, 
Morrison Saul oi' Blackstone, Mass.; Mary Ann, m. Pub., July 11, 
1835, John Wormell in Peru; Susan, ni. Mar. 22, 1832, Gideon 
Norris, famil}' moved, around 1850, to Livermore; Abigail, m. 
Sept. 4, 1831, Seth Morse in Paris; Sarah, ni. a Kennison, d. in 
Indiana. Mr. Tucker ni. (2nd) Pub., Apr. 14, 1832, Mary Bates 
of Buckfield. He d. on home farm, 1860. Widow lived and d. in 
family of son William, successor on the farm. 

Family of Wm. and Lydia Tucker. Mr. Tucker removed to 
West Peru Vill. in 1864, after sale of farm to Josiah Hall. Tliis 
couple continued here through life. Mr. Tucker departed this life, 
1880 ; his wife, 1890. Their dau., Mrs. Emily I. Bearce, now owns 
and occupies their stand. The}^ ranked with the best citizens in 
town; were highly respected and admired Iiy all. They reared a 
family of likely, well-bred children. 

Oscar M. Tiicker, b. Feb. 28, 1810; Harriet Lunt, b. Mar. 11, 
1842; Hannibal Smith, b. Xov. 13, 1844; Emily I., b. Aug. 7, 
1846; Ella E., b. Apr. 10, 1848, m. Dr. C. M. Bisbee, b. in Canton, 
a resident a term of years at Jackson A'ilL, Sumner, where wife 
d. ; Wm. Lyman, b. Oct. 19, 1850, m. Miss Burton, farmers in 
Kansas; Lugene M., b. Dec. 29, 1852, m. Ira Parlin in Peru. 
Oscar M. is one of Peru's classical scholars. He was pursuing his 
studies when Civil War began. He laid aside books, served on 
enlistment, Sergt. Co. F, 23d Me. Vols. Eesumed his studies, 
graduated at Bates Coll., took a preparatory course fitting as pre- 
ceptor in Xew York, and served as instructor in seminary at Wil- 
kinsburg, Pa., a term of years till failing health j-equired a change. 
He is employed in decorative landscape. He m. Aug. 30, 1865, 
Harriet Emily, dau. of Wm. Bowers Walton of Peru. Child, Mer- 
ty, a graduate of Mt. Holly. This family have done credit to 
their ancestry and to their native town. Hannibal S., m. Eoena 
Sharp in Indianapolis, Ind., where they located and kept a glove 
store. Their children are Willie. Charles, Eoena, Eleanor. Mr. 
Tucker was Pvt. Co. F, 23d Me. A\-)ls., and served enlistment. He 
left an honorable record and passed to higher life in 1906. Wife 
and c^hildren continue home residence. 



270 HisTOKY OF THE Towx OF Pehu 

Wing Brothers 

The progenitors of a large number of "Wing families in Peru 
and Franklin, also in Leeds, were two brothers, Stephen in Peru, 
and Reuben of those in Franklin. Their sister, Mercy, m. Azel 
Jjovejoj, and her sons, Azel, Jr., and Jacob, were eminent men. 
The first named was in tlie ministry, and the last in law. An- 
other sister, Mehitable, ni. one Jacob Lovejoy, the father of Ezekiel, 
Gardner and others. Stephen "Wing and wife, Patty Howard, with 
children, Jacob, b. May 3-i, 180.3; Wm., b. Dec. 7, 1806; Abigail, 
b. June 19, 1809; Elmira, b. Jan. 4, 1813; Stephen, Jr., b. Apr. 
22, 1815; and Lewis, b. July 1, 1817, were all here in 1831, at 
the taking of census. Their second child, Dianna, b. Jan. 11, 
1801-, and Betsey, b. May 4. 1808, do not appear in 1821. Evi- 
dently they had d. Eecord shows that Jacob m. Mar. 25, 1837, 
Betsey Turner of Dixfield, and Elmira m. Pub., Dec. 33, 1839, 
Ezra Drown in Dixfield. Lewis d. Dec. 17, 1841. 

After compiling eight pages of manuscript of Wing famiW, in- 
formation at hand from Col. Geo. "W. "Wing of Kewaunee, '\Yis., 
"president of Wing Family Association of America, Incorporated," 
calls for another chapter. He states that all the Wings in Maine, 
so far as known to him, are descended from Eev. John and Deborah 
Wing, and their three sons, John, Daniel and Stephen, who settled 
at Sandwich, Mass., in 1637, having come to 'New England on the 
ships W^illiam and Francis in 1G33. The generations down from 
Stephen of Sandwich were Nathaniel, Nathaniel, Jr., Joseph, 
Stephen, Eeuben. The last named came to Livermore some time 
prior to 1790. His sons were Eeuben, Jr., Joseph, Stephen L., 
Shubal, and Ljmian, a half-brother, and daughters, Mehitable, 
Mere}', and perhaps Hannali and Betsey. This race, who people 
nearly every state in the Union, came of an old Welsh family Avho 
€ame out of Wales centuries beyond Henry VII., and Avho lived in 
Bonbmy, Old Sandwish, and in quaint rural English villages, and 
who, seeking a wider life, came to New England. As a sect, they 
were Quakers in Colonial days, and suffered much persecution from 
the followers of the Church of England. They were prosecuted, 
fined, ordered to leave Plymouth Colony because they would not 
renounce their creed and join the Church of England. It is claimed 
their descendants in America, living and deceased, equal 100,000. 

The records of the Baptist church of Peru shoAV that Eeuben 
Wing, a member of First Baptist church of Livermore, was a 



HlSTOEY OF THE TOWX OF pERU 271 

member of the Council of (.'liurclies who met at Benjamin Worm- 
elFs in Plan. Ko. 1, Sept. 9, 1818, and authorized the founding of 
Peru Baptist church. Stephen L. Wing, the father of Columbus 
and other children, was the son of Eeuben. It is claimed by the 
children that Stephen L. was b. in Livermore, showing, evident!}', 
his father was the churcii member. It is thought that Reuben 
descended from Joseph A\'^ing, son of Kathaniel. Eeuben Wing 
and wife, Joanna. Children, in part: — Stephen L., b. in Liver- 
more, 1801, d. in Franklin, Oct. 26, 1872, m., 1823, Louisa Pres- 
cott, b. 1806, d. in Franklin, Xov. 8, 1879, native of Wayne. Eeu- 
ben Wing, Sr., m. (2nd) Pub., in Wayne, Apr. 21, 1812, Sally 
Eobinson. Eeuben Wing, Jr., b. around 1812, published Jan. 1-1, 
1833. to Catherine Farnum, Bowdoin. 

' iiildren of Stephen L. and Louisa (Prescott) Wing: — Colum- 
bus H.. b. in Franklin, June 9, 1823, m. Sarah F., dau. of Thomas 
S. Lord of Franklin; George W. Wing, b. 1826, m. (1st) :^ancy, 
dau. of Oliver Canwell and Philene, dau. of Abias Andrews; 
Stephen P., b. 1830, m. Mercy, dau. of Abias Andrews, res., a 
fanner in Leeds. He was five or six miles from home on foot. 
May 29, 1910, smart and active, traveling in a hurry, in his 81st 
year; Cordelia B., b. in Franklin, 1833, m. in 1864, Gardner Love- 
joy, his third wife. 'No issue. She d. July 31, 1900. in Peru; 
Samuel F. Wing, b. May 13, 1833, m. Joanna, dau. of Plina B. 
and Loi? Elmira (Haywood) Wing. He served as Pvt., Co. D, 
12th Me., in war of 1861, faithful and true. Ees., West Peru. 
The above Plina B. was another son of Eeuben Wing. His son, 
Isaac P.. d. of wounds, July 24, 1864, ae. 15 years, 10 months; a 
Pvt., Co. E, 32d Me. Inf. Vols. Grave in Bishop Yd. Ira B. 
Wing. b. Franklin, 1840, m. (1st) Delia Eliza, dau. of John T. 
and Priscilla (Tripp) Knowles of Wilton. Wife d. in 1888, ae. 
46 years, seven months. He m. (2nd) Aug. 7, 1889, Mary J., 
widow of Eufus Trask of Leeds. She was the dau. of Abner 
Burnham in Leeds. They were farmers in Franklin and made a 
comfortable living. Ira B. was enrolled Pvt. for three years in 
Co. D, 13th Me., Nov., 1861, and served two years. Ira B. Wing, 
d. June 37, 1907, in Peru, leaving a widow, two sons and two 
daughters by first wife. His widow remarried Sept. 29, 1907, 
John Smith, and d. at Phillips, Nov. 1, 1907. Francis A. Wing, 
b. 1836, m. Louisa, dau. of David and Saphrona (Richards) Stur- 
tefant of Leeds. Res., Leeds, Me.; d. around 1906. Austin H., 



272 IIlSTOltY OF TlIK TOWX OF PeKU 

b. Apr. 13. 1838, ni. Kosanna Burnhani, widow of Azol Biiniliam 
of Leeds; Charles A., b. 1840, m. Sarah, dan. of Abner Bivrnliam 
of Leeds. Ees., Monmouth. Their children: — Pearh^ in. Geoi-- 
gia Wing. Farmer in Leeds. Kiehard, m. Bertha Maxim : fore- 
man Sec. on R. E., E. Wilton. Blanch M., b. Mar. 39, 1880, m. Ora 
Knox; jobber, Monmouth Cent. Milton E., m. Kitty Wing: farm- 
ers in Leeds. Melissa, ni. Harry Tayloi- : foreman See. on R. R., 
Winthrop. Guy, b. around 1889, a steady young man who helps 
support parents. Caroline A., b. May 15, 1842, m. Mar. 4. 1868,. 
Edward W. Haines, his second wife. 

Steplien L. Wing, b. in Livermore. 1802, son of Reuben, settled 
in Franklin Plantation about 1823. His granddaughter, ]\Irs. Em- 
ma C. Kincaid of Livermore Falls, dau. of Telotson P. Wing, 
relates in Wing history that Stephen L. lived in a log camp, cov- 
ered overhead with spruce bark. In place of doors were hung 
heavy quilts One day Mr. Wing was away to Dixfield when his 
wife saw a loupcer^-ier coming through the door. She snatched a 
pillow from the bed, threw it at him and drove him away. Bears 
were heard prowling about their cabin nights as they answered tlie 
call of their mates from the nearl^y mountains. Their communi- 
cation with the adjoining towns was by spotted trees. They went 
to Winthrop on horseback for provisions and clothing, 45 miles 
(they called it). The first potatoes this man had to plant, he 
walked to Winthrop and brought back on his shoulders one-half 
bushel of potatoes, given to liim by his uncle, Shubal Wing. We 
quote further: He d. at Franklin, 1876. He was m. about 1822 
to Louisa, dau. of Newell and Eunice Prescott of Winthrop. Oth- 
er children of Reuben were : — Geo. Washington, Reuben, Jr., Au- 
gustus A., Alexander, Pliny B., Elbridge, Joanna, Yelletta, Hulda, 
and Lyman L., by last wife, Sally Robinson, wliom lie m. about 
May, 1812, of Wayne. 

Lyman L. Wing, son of Reuben, b. 1816, m. Mar., 1840, Mercy 
B. York, b. 1819, a sister to Charles York, in Peru. They came 
from Monmouth and settled on the farm adjoining that of Benj. 
Lovejo.y. Children b. in Peru: — John Fairfield, b. Aug. 17, 1840; 
Samuel F., b. Sept. 6, 1842; Lyman Bolster, b. Aug. 29, 1845; 
Eliza A., b. July 7, 1848; Sarah E., b. ^Mar. 8, 1851; Willard H., 
b. Sept. 16, 1853. Family removed to Monmouth, where husband, 
d. 1890, and wafe d. 1899. John Fairfield Wing is a prosperous 
farmer near N. Monmouth A^ill. He m. (1st) in 1865, Loram 



History oy the Towx of Peru 21:3 

Eobiuson. Tlieir dan., Jeuuie, in. John Williams. "Wife, Loram, 
d. ; m. ('^nd) Flavilla Freeman of Cornville. Child: — Clois, 
b. Jan. 1, 1869, m. 1894, Maud Pray of La Grange. Child:— 
Verne C, b. 1895. 

Columbus H. and Sarah F. Wing. In addition to farm work, 
^Ir. Wing for many years was a noted basket maker. Preparing 
the basket stuif from a brown ash sajjling six or eight inches in 
diameter and weaving in layers by hand is practically one of the 
lost arts in the twentieth century. His make were very strong 
and durable. Their children, as given in town register of 1905 : — 
Louisa P., m. Cyrus F. Goding; Hannah J., m. Edwin F. Childs; 
Lucy A., m. Burnham : Wm. J., a farmer in Leeds; Edgar D., 
farmer in Farmington; Mary 0., m. Edwin B. Childs. Children 
of Stephen P. and Mercy B. Wing in Leeds. Their children b. 
in Franklin: — James S., Freeland G., Zelma, Lizzie, Mary E., 
Francis J. and Alfred S. Wing. The latter m. Carrie Higgins. 
They are farmers; P. 0.., Curtis Corner. Their children b. in 
Leeds are : — Stephen A., James M., Archa A. Marriages of Steph- 
en P.'s children: — James S. m. Ellen Hallowell; res., Ed. Falls. 
Freeland G. m. Nellie McCulla; Zehna, m. Charles Haines; Lizzie, 
m. Herbert Andrews in Peru; Francis J., m. Augusta Burnham; 
farmers in Leeds. 

Children of Ira B. Wing by first wife : — Delia Eliza Knowles : — 
Eliza B., d. Sept. 20, 1865, ae. three years, 11 months, 20 days; 
Delia B., d. Mar. 6, 1905, ae. 32 A-ears, dau. of his second wife by 
Eufus Trask, her first husband. Ira B., Jr., m. Josie E. Wing, 
dau. of Wing. Children : — Clarence A., Elma A, Chil- 
dren of Samuel F. Wing are Pliny, who m. July 29, 1882: Mary 
J., dau. of AVm. Eoberts of Peru. Wife d. Stephen, m. Etta 
Larkins of Livermore. He d. at Farmington, ae. 27 years. Lois, 
m. Walter Fish in Waltham, Mass.; Maria, b. Sept. 1, 1869, m. 
(1st), ae. 16, and had dau., Xina B.; m. (2nd) in 1895, Daniel 
Phelps of Lincoln. Xina B., m. John Halsey of Eumford. Their 
children :— Archie, b. 1900 ; Leroy, b. 1904; Eobert, b. 1906. Ees., 
1910, Peru. Wife attended church, and is worthy of mention. 

Telotson P. AVing, b. in Franklin, Sept. 8, 1828, m. Clarinda 
H., dau. of Ezekiel F. Lovejoy. Wife d. at Smithville, Eumford, 
first week in Jan., 1911. Children: — Adelia A., m. Herbert L. 
Wood; stone cutter and builder. Ees., Peru, on Stephen Chase 
farm. Eose A., b. June 11, 1858, m. Albion S. Burgess. She d. 



274: IIlSTORX OF THE ToWX OF PeRU 

Jan. 22, 1907. Feed mill. Res., Ed. Falls. Ida F. Wing, b. 
Mar., 1856, m. Albert A. Frost; farmer, Peru, annex to Ed. Em- 
ma C. Wing, b. Apr. 21, 1854, m. Newbry Kincaid. Occupation, 
steam engineer, Livermore Falls. Ellery, b. 1852, d. young. Clias. 
W. Wing, b. Aug. 29, 1866, d. young. Wallace M. Wing, b. 1869, 
d. young. Family of Herbert L and Adelia A. Wood. Child, Wm. 
T. Wood, stone cutter and contractor. Wm. T. Wood, "widowed," 
m. Oct., 1910, Louise E., dau. of Elroy M. Gammon, both of Peru. 
Their son, Elroy Herl)ert, was b. Sept. 2, 1911. 

Family of Elbridge, son of Reuben and Silence Wing, dau. of 
Peter Hopkins, Jr., 2nd. Children: — Elbridge 0., b. Mar. 11, 
1831, d. June 8, 1882; Susan W., b. July 11, 1835, m. Clark Wing. 
She d. Apr. 11, 1863 ; Chas. ^t., b. Franklin, Jan. 10, 1837, d. Apr. 
28, 1863, in arnw, Co. C, 21st Me., on Ship Island, single; Mary 
Jane, b. Jan, 25, 18-11, m. Ira Murch, So. Paris; Viola B., b. June 
23, 1843, m. Granville F. Child in Peru; Cyrus J., b. Oct. 14, 1845, 
d. single, Oct., 1869 ; Eunice, b. 1848, d. 1865 ; Chestina, b. Aug. 
7, 1850, m. David Corbett, New Vineyard; Lydia 0., b. Apr. 30, 
1852, m. Newton Swift, Paris ; Wm. A., b. Jan. 13, 1855, d. single, 
1877; Willis E., his twin brother, m. i^ellie York of Woodstock; 
Flora A., b. July 30, 1867, m. Frank Stevens, Paris; Derias, b. 
1872, m., lives in Paris. 

Withington 

James H. Withington first appears on record Mar. 1, 1814. He 
settled on the farm adjoining Eumford now owned by Otis Wy- 
man. The census of 1821 gives wife's name Sarah. Children : — 
Sarah B., b. Sept. 18, 1811, d. Dec. 1, 1811; James H., Jr., b. 
June 5, 1813. Tradition says he m. Pub., Apr. 25, 1832, Sarah 
Gordon of Fryeburg, and he became preceptor of Hallowell Acad- 
emy. Ebenezer P., b. Apr. 6, 1814; Augustus, b. Mar. 9, 1817; 
Sarah A. and Mary P., b. Oct. 28, 1819. Mr. Withington was 
very prominent in Plantation and in iovm affairs many years. He 
d. on the farm, by hanging, July 29, 1837. Subsequently the 
family removed to Madrid. 

Plantation Meeting, 1812 

At the meeting of Apr, 6, 1812, for the purpose of giving in 
their votes for governor, lieutenant governor for this common- 
wealth, and senators for this district, Elbridge Gerry for governor 



History of the Town or Peru 275 

had 20 votes, Wm. Kiug, lieutenant governor, 20 votes. At March 
meeting, ISli, James H. Withington was chosen moderator and 
one of the assessors. 

Orin AValton of Canton m. Betsey, don. of Benj. Fobes. He d. 
1897. Wife d. 1900. Their son, Orville Knight Walton, b. May 
6, 1841, in Peru, m. Oct., 1873, Mary Amanda, dau. of William 
and Eliza (Piandall) Babb No issue. Mrs. Walton d. Dec. 12, 
1901, ae. -16 years, five months. Mr. Walton's res. is Dickvale. 
No relation to the other Waltons of Peru. 

Genealogy of Waite Family 

Benjamin Waite, son of John, b. in Newbmy, Oct. 18, 1725, m., 
1747, Abigail, b. Aug. 20, 1748, dau. of Capt. Isaac Ilsley of Fal- 
mouth. He d. Jan. 25, 1812. She d. Nov. 26, 1773. They had 
several children. One named John was b. in Falmouth, July 4, 
1751. He m. Sept. 1772, Sally Burton, who was b. Sept., 1754, 
and d. May 25, 1801. He m. (2nd) May 1, 1802, Sally N. Smil- 
lage of Providence. He d. Mar. 16, 1838, and she d. Feb. 4, 1853, 
ae. 80 years. His children b. in Falmouth were as follows : — 
Abigail, b. Jan. 3, 1774, d. July, 1839 ; Ebenezer, b. Mar. 8, 1776, 
m. Mariam Knight of Peru, dau. of Merrill, Sr., and d. in Liver- 
more, Jan. 23, 1852; Betsey, b. Dec. 22, 1778, d. June. 1804; 
Amasa, b. Feb. 17, 1781, had wife, Betsey; Francis, b. Aug. 17, 
1783, m., 1808, Dorcas, dau. of Merrill Knight, Sr. He d. May 
16, 1875, ae. 91 years, six months. She d. Aug. 10, 1870, ae. 86 
years, 25 days. Sally, b. Feb. 17, 1785, d. May, 1785 ; Henry, b. 
June 14, 1786, d. Jan. 1, 1820, had wife, Hannah; William, b. 
July 7, 1788, d. young; John, b. Sept. 9, 1790, d. Mar., 1838; 
Edward, b. Feb. 1. 1793, d. Aug. 2, 1881; Nancy, b. Oct. 8, 1794; 
Charles, b. Oct. 30, 1796; Samuel, b. Feb. 12, 1803, d. Apr. 21, 
1826; Mary Ann Susan xidelaide, b. Jan. 10, 1806; Martha Ee- 
becca, b. Mar. 19. 1808. d. Doc, 1841; Martha Jane, b. June 9, 
1810; James Smillage, b. Sept. 16, 1811, m. 1835, Sarah M. Paine; 
Sally Buxton, b. Dec. 5, 1815. d. Mar., 1845. 

Francis Waite was h. in Westbrook and when a young man 
worked in a printing office in Portland. He next tried seafaring, 
at the age of twenty years, 1803. Five years later he came to 
Peru. He soon made the acqiiaintancc of Dorcas, dau. of Merrill 
Knight, and secured a wife and farm. No one in those days but 
Merrill Knight gave a premium with the prize to sons-in-law. 



27G JlisTouY OF Till-: Tow.v ov Veru 

Jlc iiuulo rt (.■k'iii-iiig on tlio thii'd tici' of lots, back from tlie river, 
and orectt'd building.-; in 1811, on tlie ^'Xew County Eoad/" as then 
known. Mr. Waite was a very active, industrious man, of good 
habits, honest and reliable. He is remembered for his generous 
hospitality, in which his good wife shared the good will of all. 

In religion tliey were strong Universalists. The Gospel 
Banner was their favorite paper many years. He devoted his 
time and energy to homo wants, and if called to store, mill, or 
town meeting, he hurried to return. Children : — Goodin, b. Aug. 6, 
1809, d. in South Liverniore, Mar. 1, 1887, m. Harriet, dau. of 
Addison Campbelle, in Livermore. His widow and two sons living 
at Leeds Centre. Children : — Charles, Edward, Clinton, d. about 
1900. Mr. Waite carried on home farm from boyhood till he was 
past fift.Y years old, and remaining single. He kept a small assort- 
ment of store goods for sale at his parents' home several A'ears. 
It is related that at one time a little girl of the neighbors' was sent 
to buy a darning needle. She made known her want to Goodin's 
mother and slie sent t!ie girl a long way up the mow field to call 
Goodin, who was making liay. He obeyed the call cheerfully, sold 
the needle for one cent, cash in hand, and returned to his work, 
about one-fourth mile up hill. A passerby observed he went Avhist- 
ling merrily, as well pleased as though he had made a ten dollar 
sale. It was on this farm the head of the family was once observed 
making hay without sunshine. After several days of rain and 
cloudy Aveather, wet hay was held by fork over burning stumps 
to dry. 

Nancy, b. Oct. 16, 1811, m. Pub., May 16, 1831. Isaiah Leavitt, 
Jr., in Turner; Harrison, b. Nov. 1, 1813, d. Nov. 7, 1813; El- 
bridge, b. Oct. 22, 1814; Martha, b. x\pr. i, 1817, m. James Carter; 
Eotheus B., b. May 10, 1819; Charles, b. Feb. 26, 1821, d. Mar. 
23, 1833 : Amasa, b. Jan. 20, 1823, d. Oct., 1819 ; Silas N., b. Aug. 
24 1824, last known in Eockport, Mass. ; Sally Medley, b. Apr. 11, 
1827, m. Danforth Lary ; Eotheus B., m. Pub., Nov. 1, 1844, jVIartha 
Eecords of Buckfield. No issue. Mr. Waite spent the most of 
his married life on a farm in Buckfield. He was an enterj^rising, 
successful farmer, prominent in all moral reforms and popular 
with the masses in the common walks of life. He and wife were 
higlily respected. He died. 



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History of the Towx of Peru 277 

Benjamin Wormell 

The lirst family in the ea^;t part of the Township was Benjamin 
and Ann (Dennett) Wormelh Jle doubtless first utilized the water 
power at this place, in erecting a gristmill. The small collection 
of Jiouses here at an early period was known a wide circuit as 
W'urmeirs Mills. This man had much to do in shaping Plantation 
alfaii-s. in Marcii meeting, 1813, he was chosen one of the select- 
men and assessors. In April meeting, same year, was moderator. 
In 1818 was chosen treasui'er, ;ilso one of three Com. to divide 
the Plan, into school districts. He served in various other offices. 
This family and their children, with families, formed a large por- 
tion of the residents of WormelFs Mills a term of years. Five 
children : — Ira Wormell, b. Oct. 2, 1805, ni. Now 5, 1826, Mary 
Deering. Their children: — Emeline, b. May 29, 1827, d. Aug. 1, 
1832: Ann D., b. Dec. 28, 1829, m. Amos L. HarloAv; John Mel- 
vin, b. Mar. 30, 1837; Lydia Jane, b. May 31, 1810, m. Jan. 8, 
18(33. James >S. Jewett, d. July 28, 1873; Emily, m. Timothy Jvyle, 
d. 1904. Wife, Mary Deering AVormell, d. Sept. 13, 1863. Ira 
m. (2nd) Mary G. Lovejoy, Pub., Jan. 23, 1865. He d. Feb. 7. 
1880, a respected citizen and a Christian. Mr. WormelFs union 
Avith Mary G. Lovejoy was short. He had not got his atfinity. 
They parted. James S. Jewett lived on the first farm in Canton 
adjoining the Benj. Packard farm. He was Must, on quota of 
Peru, Dec. 26, 1863. Pvt.. Co. I, 1st Pegt., H. A., wounded in 
action June 18, 1864, promoted Corp. and Must, out witli CoriTd 
Sept. 11. 1865. His dau., Hattie, d. Aug. 19, 1871, ae. eight 
months. 

Cyrus A\'(jrmell. b. Sept. 23. 1807, m. Caroline Fisk al)out 1821. 
He carried on marble works a term of years at his native village, 
doing line work. Cemeteries in town bear witness. In later years 
and down to near close of life, he served either as deputy l)y aji- 
pointment or sheriff as elected by the people man}' yeai's in the 
county. He was noted for promptness and efficiency. He was 
asked at one time how he found his calling. He answered prompt- 
ly: '"(iood many holes in the skimmer, and the biggest one in 
the handle." This family removed to Bethel around middle fifties 
and continued through life. Cyrus M. m. before the war, settled 
and d. there. 

Harriet Wormell, b. Oct. 25, 1825, m. May 4, 1841, Horatio T. 
Honse of Peru. Their childi'en: — Alma Ann Pobinson, 1). Dee. 19, 



278 HiSTOKY OF THE ToWN OF PeRU 

1851; Alvena M., b. Feb. 27, 1855; Lovina C, b. Dec. 8, 1858. 
Horatio d. Mar. 2, 1861. Arvilla Wormell, b. Nov. 12, 1827, d. 
Jiine 6, 1828; Win. S. Wormell, b. Mar. 20, 1829, d. Apr. 19, 
1848; Sarali I. Wormell, b. Feb. 1-1, 1831, d. Jan. 16, 1834; Amos 
Wormell, b. Sept. 6, 1833, d. Cyrus Monroe, b. Mar. 23, 1836. He 
served as deputy sheriff and detective several years after the war. 
He served 2nd Lieut., Co. I, 5th Me. Inf. Vols., war of 1861. Mary 
Jane, b. Apr. 1, 1839, m. Mar. 3, 1855, Geo. W. Haskell, son of 
Jonathan and Mary Haskell, Peru. Geo. Avas wagoner in Co. F, 
9th Me. Their children :— Lizzie N., b. Aug. 27, 1855; Addie L., 
b. Oct. 9, 1857; Charlotte A., b. Sept. 8, 1840, d. June 30, 1848; 
John S., b. Sept. 30, 1842, Must. S., Feb. 17, 1864, Co. I, 5th Me., 
re-enl., trf . to 1st Me. Vet. ; Ellen Caroline, b. Oct. 10, 1846 ; Chas. 
Wm., b. Oct. 8, 1849; Abby Frances, b. Dec. 6, 1851, d. May 28, 
1852; Hiram, b. Sept. 1, 1810, son of Benj. Wormell, m. Feb. 10, 
1836, Mai'garet Smith, a sister to one Joseph, known in town as 
Tomsonian doctor. In the days of military trainings at Walker's 
Tavern in the early forties, this Joseph Smith was a resident of 
Peru, and Capt. of a Co. named Light Infantry. This Co. pro- 
vided themselves each with a black velvet cap ornamented with gold 
tinsel and several long black, glossy feathers. All not wearing 
this uniform were identified as members of the Slambang Co., with- 
out uniform. We shall refer to these holiday scenes elsewhere. 
Their children :—Eemember M., b. Jan. 9, 1837; Elestus S., b. 
July 9, 1838; Sylvester S., b. Apr. 30, 1840; Daniel C, b. Dec. 9, 
1842; Ellas 0.. b. Oct. 30, 1844. Hiram Wormell lived on the 
Wm. Harlow farm, preceding him. Family left town before ar- 
rival of Harlow in 1845. 

John Wormell, b. June 13, 1814, m. Pul)., July 11, 1835, Mary 
Ann, dan. of Eliphalet Tucker of Peru. Their children: — Benj. 
Wormell, b. Jan. 10, 1836; Cordelia Valista, b. Apr. 4, 1842; 
Cordelia, dau. of Benj. AYormell, m. Mar. 2, 1847. Sumner Eobin- 
son, Jr., of Peru. Their children : — -Clara Holmes, b. June 23. 
1848 ; Sabrina Alesta, b. Sept. 2, 1850, d. Mar. 22, 1852. 

About these years the families of Hiram, Jolm and Cyrus 
Wormell had left town. Cyrus was the last to remove, first to 
Mexico, near Dixfield Vill., there about two years; thence to Bethel, 
Avhere he and his son, Cyrus Monroe, spent their remaining daj^s, 
the son serving many years as deputy and detective. Sumner 
Eobinson, Jr.. went West soon after the death of his child. He 



HiSTOllY OF THE ToWjSi OF PeEU 2]^ 

entered the ministry and followed that profession a term of J^ears, 
till health failed. 

Walton 

Walton is an old English name, derived from wold, a wood, 
and ton, a town. The Waltons came to America from England at 
a very early date. Three brothers, Moses, Joshua and AVilliam, 
with their nephew, Eeuben, came to Maine as early settlers. Wil- 
liam took up a lot of land lying partly in Wayne and partly in 
Eayette. His first wife was Hannah Littlehale, dau. of Abraham 
Littlehale. Wm., b. Jan. 23, 1735, in Dunstable, Mass., was a 
soldier under Gen. AYolf at the taking of Quebec, and also a sol- 
dier in the Eevolutionary War. His height is given as five feet, 
six inches, dark complexion, with dark hair and eyes. The rugged 
old man walked all the way from Dunstable to Wayne to see his 
dau. He stopped in W^ayne for a season and helped his son-in-law 
in clearing his farm. Drains which he dug are plainly to be seen 
on the meadow of his great-great-grandson. He d. in 1810, ae. 
85 3'ears. His children by first wife were Abraham, William, Jr., 
Benjamin, and John. Abraham removed to Ohio. Wm., Jr., and 
Benjamin removed to Peru. John stayed in Wayne. The second 
wife of Wm.. Sr., was Mehitable L3^ons. Their children were 
Sarah, Sophia, and Faifus. Sarah m. Sjdvanus Blackwell in 1806. 
Sophia m. N'athaniel Atkins, brother to David Atkins; both came 
to Peru. Pufus m. Hannah Bralcy. 

"Wm. "Walton, Jr., had two wives. Three of his children by first 
wife were: — Mahala, b. 1809, and Priscilla and Sibyl, who. m. 
Angier Mitchell, his second wife. He m. (2nd) July 18, 1828, 
Euseba Doolittle. They followed Peter Morrill on the Adam 
Knight farm in 1814. Mr. Walton d. in Oct., 1855. Their chil- 
dren:— Calvin Doolittle, b. Sept. 4, 1829, m. Pub., Oct. 16, 1856, 
Esther H. Dunn of Lewiston; Hannah Eliza, b. Dec. 4, 1830; 
Euseba, b. Xov. 11, 1833; America, b. Aug. 17, 1835. He is said 
to be living at 5 Palph St., Lowell, Mass. Emeline H., b. May 
26, 1838 ; Abraham, b. July 36, 1840. 

Two other prominent men, sons of Wm. by first Avife, and resi- 
dents of Peru, were Farewell, b. Jan. 31, 1803, and Wm. Bowers. 
Farewell Walton was a member of the board of selectmen in 1837, 
1841, and 1843. He m. Sept. 13, 1827, Mary, b. Apr. 6. 1807, 
dau. of Jeremiah Hall of Eumford. Children: — Jeremiah, b. Jan. 



280 IIisTOEY OF Tin-: Towx of Peku 

21-, 1828, in F. P., d. in Westbrook, Jan., 1897; Wm. PI., b. Dec. 
26, 1829, and d. Oct. ;51, 1831, iu Teiu : grave in Vrynian Cein. 
Lydia Augus'ta, b. Jan. 3, 1833, m. May 2, 1861, Zachariah Small. 
Husband deceased Mar. 23, 1899. "Widow living in Westbrook, 
1907. Their son, Elmer P., b. We.-^tbrook, Sept. 3, 1873. Mr. 
Walton moved first to Mexico, lived on first farm above the toll 
bridge above Dixfield YilL, thence to Westl)rook, Me. 

Later information : America Walton m., was Must. Sept. 7, 
1861, at the age of 26 years, 2nd Sergt. Co. B, 8th Me. Inf., from 
Patten. His brother, Abraham, ae. 21, from Patten, single, was 
enrolled same date, Corp. in same Co. and Pegt. America Wal- 
ton re-enl. Feb. 29, 1861, promoted 2nd Lieut, and 1st Lieut. 
Abraham re-enl. same date, and Pr. Sergt. and Orderly Sergt., 
ISTov. 1, 1865. America Walton was lastly Pr. Capt. and resigned 
July -1, 1865. Pie has two daughtei's and tliree grandsons. The 
oldest is in Panama, attending a wireless station. The others have 
a home with grandparent, Abraham, and wife deceased, leaving 
two children. Other children not mentioned in family of Wm. 
Walton by first wife were ]Mahala, who m. Sumner R. Xewell ; also 
daughters, Malintha and Malinda, v.diom writer cannot account 
for. Sybil Walton, m. Pub., Nov. 3, 1855, Angler Mitchell, Mex- 
ico. Priscilla Walton, m. Peter Morrill, his second wife. 

Eecords are sadly deficient in the family of Wm. Bowers and 
Charlotte (Thomas) Walton. Wife was a sister to John Thomas 
in Rumford. Their oldest son, Henry B., b. around 1830, gradu- 
ated from Westbrook Seminary, taught a term of high school at 
West Peru in fall of 1860. He began the study of law, and when 
the war came on he laid aside the law book and took a commission 
as 1st Lieut. Co. D, 12th Me., and was Must, into U. S. service 
Nov. 15, 1861. He had m. a Miss Virgin in Eumford. While 
in eomnumd of Co. E of his Regt. at Battle of Cedar Creek, Oct. 
19, 1861, he was killed by the enemy; he was buried at town Cem.. 
East Rumford. He was a brave soldier fearless and true. PI is 
wife had a chihl. and after a period she reiuarried. Helen ]M., 
b. Mar., 1837, d. Nov., 1862. Benj. Franklin, b. 1810. He enl. 
in Co. D, 16th Me., and was discharged Mar. 23, 1863. for dis- 
ability. Returning to Peru, lie m. Oct. 1, 1870, Loisa Robinsoik_ 
and lived at one time on the Nathaniel Mabury farm, near Rd. 
Falls, where his father was living at close of life. This son was 
successor to tlie farm. His Avife d. several vears l)efoi'e. He d. 



History of the Town of Peru 281 

around middle nineties. He was invalid ever al'ter his discharge. 
He was pensioned, $8. Farewell Walton, b. 1813, cnl. Corp., Co. 
D, l-?th Me., in 18G1. Triscilla M., m. Pub., June 18, 1857, Cha, 
P. ^^'oodsunl. Harriet Kmily, m. Aug. 30, 1865, Oscar M. Tucker. 
Powers Walton possessed a fund of wit and humor that made 
him the central figure when he chanced to meet fellow townsmen. 
He was a host within himself, alwa3'S sober, refined and modest. 
Speaking of an old townsman who had recently passed the bounds 
•of this life, he said "his death gave the most general satisfac- 
tion of any he had known for a long time." He was upright in 
all deportment. This family ranked first class. Tlie graves of 
the heads of the family and that of Benj. F. are in the Wyman 
Cem. At the head of the yard there stands a large, tall, granite 
monument. The earth beneath is level and smooth. 'No markers 
indicate graves. There are no names, not even family name, on 
this ponderous monument to show owner or occupant. Here are 
hidden the above graves. 

Origin of Walkers in Peru 

George Walker, b. at Ivittery Point. Me.. May 11. 1731, was 
the son of Wm. and Deborah Walker. He m. Sept. 15, 1751, Eliz- 
abeth Snow, b. at Kittery Point. Mar. 13, 1731, dau. of John and 
Mary Snow. Their children :— William, b. Mar. 28, 1755, d. Dec. 

I. 1833, in Peru, was the father of Peru Walkers; Susanna, h. 
Aug. 17. 1757, d. 1773; Charles, b. Aug. 15, 1759; Betty, b. Xov. 
10, 1761. d. July 9, 1823; John, b. Mar. 25, 1761; Molly, b. Aug. 

II, 1765, d. Sept. 17, 1813; George, b. Dec. 8. 1768: Rebecca, b. 
Feb. 12, 1771. 

Wm. H. Walker, grandson of William. Sr., told writer of his 
grandparent playing on his violin at his father's when he was a 
boy. His musical qualities are revealed in the third and fourth 
generations. Two of the grandsons, one yet living, were some- 
thing of a genius in bringing out the musical tones of the violin. 
How unlike the old time music is that of the present day violin 
playing. It is a strenuous effort to render a discord melodious. 

One of the early pioneers following Daniel Lunt, Jr., he being 
the third family, was William Walker. He, with his son. Wm., Ji-., 
rode on back of horse from Falmouth to Peru in Mar., 1802, when 
son was twelve years old. Wm. Walker. Sr., b. Falmouth. Mar. 
28. 1755. was the son of Georsre and Elizabeth Walker. l)otli b. 



282 HisTOKY 01'' THE Town of Peru 

at Kittery Point. Win. was the oldest ol a family of eight chil- 
dren. He m. at Topsham, Sybil Staples, Sept. 4, 1783. She was 
b. in Topsham, Mar. 23, 1764. Their marriage was novel, the 
first of the kind on record. The bride and groom were en route 
from Topsham to Brunswick, where the marriage was to be sol- 
emnized. They came to the Androscoggin river and found the 
water so high the boatman would not attempt to cross. Wliat 
could be done to relieve two anxious souls? To wait the fallen 
tide was indeed discouraging. Presently a happy thought gave 
relief. ''AYe will call the boatman to send tlie minister to the 
water's edge on the opposite shore." He obej'^ed the summons. 
Blessed with stentorian voice, he then and there united across the 
flowing tide the happy couple. This was the first instance of 
marriage by wireless telephone across the Androscoggin river. 

Wm. Walker and wife, Sybil, had a family of twelve children 
that lived to grow up, eleven of whom were pioneers in Township 
'Eo. 1. They settled on the farm adjoining the old ^lethodist 
meeting house lot at the center of the town. The Wm. Walker 
family were as follows : — Hezekiah, b. Jan. 4, 1784, m. Dorcas 
Hobbs, sister of Josiah Hobbs of Livermore. They had no issue. 
He d. Jan. 26, 1848. His death w-as seemingly in answer to 
prayer. His brother, jSTathan, then living in Hartford, was very 
sick with fever. At the turning point he lingered till at the point 
of death. Hezekiah, hearing of his condition, had a talk with 
God at the family altar. He told Him that Kathan's children 
needed his care. He asked God to spare Nathan and take him 
as a substitute. Hezekiah, very soon after, was climbing a short 
ladder to the head scaffold over the barn floor and fell, striking 
his head on the floor, causing instant deatli. 

Suffice it to say that Nathan recovered and lived over fourteen 
years after this event. The second child of Wm. AValker was Su- 
sannah, b. x4pr. 9, 1785, m. Jcdediah White, 1). about 1783. They 
formerly lived in Jay. Had three children grown up in 1842 or 
about, when the family moved to Peru on the Hezelton place, ad- 
joining the Merrill Knight farm. Their oldest child, Polly, b. 
1809, did not marry. She d. Dec. 10, 1873, ae. 64 years, three 
months. Joel W., b. 1812, m., first wife d., no issue; second M'ife, 
Dorcas W. Burgess, m. Oct., 1873. She was the former wife of 
Cyrus Burgess, and dau. of Seth Burgess and Virtue Decker of 
Wayne, b. June 24, 1824; had no issue by White; d. Sept. 11, 



HisTOKY or THE ToAVN OF Peru 283 

1904, ae. 80 years, two mouths. Joel AY., d. May 31, 1889, ae. 
77 3-ears, enl. Co. H., 14th Me., pensioned. George W., b. 1819, 
did not marry, d. Dec. 7, 1873, ae. 54 years, four months. This 
family were devoted attendants at the Methodist church in its 
best days. Jedediah White d. May 27, 1859, ae. 76 years. His 
wife d. June 16, 1853, ae. 68 3-ears. 

Geo. Walker, b. Apr. 10, 1786, m. July 15, 1811, Melinda Hol- 
man, b. Apr. 7, 1788, a sister of Abner Holman, Livermore, and 
dau. of Daniel and Elizabeth Holman. Their motto through life 
was to save a good part of their earnings, and never spend a dollar 
before it is in hand. By industry and frugality they became fore- 
handed farmers. The town road was laid out from Lunt's mill, 
now Turner's, to this farm in 1813. The bounds of farm bear 
date 1813. Geo. Walker d. July 13, 1866, ae. 80 years. His wife 
d. Aug. 9, 1879, ae. 91 years, four months. 

Their first child, Eleanor, b. Jan. 28, 1812, d. Sept. 16, 1814. 
Eleanor, b. Sept. 9, 1816, ni. Xov. 22, 1833, Daniel Sheffield, b. 
Pomfret Landing. Pes., Peru. Liberty, b. June 9, 1831. Geo. 
AYalker located on the second tier of lots west of and adjoining 
that of his brother, Hezekiah, in 1812. In the winter of 1811-12 
he boarded at James Lunt's, two miles down the river. During the 
wanter he cut pine trees on his lot, sawed and shaved the logs by 
hand into shingles, making and delivering on spot, for house, one- 
half thousand per day, and walking to and from boarding house 
to camp. The walls of his house on three sides were covered with 
those shingles, and without a drop of paint tliey did good service 
for ninety years. This couple exercised rigid economy in their 
first start in life. Instead of running in debt for utensils to set 
up housekeeping, they made of wood, knives, spoons, plates, bowls, 
trays for milk setting and general use, furniture of various kinds, 
and from flax and wool they made elothiiiir. The good housewife 
was one of the early school teachers in the Plantation, teaching 
summer schools in her house before f. schoolhous..; v.-as l)uilt. 

The succeeding ^--en'^rations in llie order given, eoiiuiieueing 
with George Walker's family are a? follows: — Eleanor Walker 
Sheffield. Their children :— Will iiuu T.. b. June 30, 1836. ui. 
June, 1859, Mary E. A., dau. of Hazen Favor; had son, Wm. C. 
Sheffield, b. Jan. 6, 1861. Mother d. soon after birth, Jan., 1861. 
Wm. Tucker m. (2nd), 1877, Mary. dau. of Hezekiah Eipley, St. 
Stephens, N". B. ; had dau., Alice E., b. Nov.. 1877. Wm. C. m. 



28i llrsToiiY OF THE Towx OF Peklt 

wife, Jennie. Res., Lewiston. Occupation, piper. C'liiklren : — 
Willis Sheffield, Mabel Sheffield. The second child of Eleanor 
and Daniel C. Sheffield, Melina Ellen, b. Xov. 22, 1831), m. 18G3-4, 
Henry Bent, nephew of Avifo of Benj. Allen; Iiad dan.. Flora, ni. 
Seth Young, Lewiston. Xo issue. Melinda Ellen Bent d. Aug. 
10, 1906. Adeline, b. June 22, 1842, m. Sept., 1865, Thos. J. 
Hanniford, Dixfield. He was a soldier in late war. Pensioned 
in Lewiston, d. Apr. 25, 1905. Xo issue. Widow pensioned in 
Lewiston. Last child of Eleanor Sheffield, Amos Carroll, b. Feb. 
3, 1850, d. Mar. 11, 1851. This couple, Eleanor and Daniel Shef- 
field, were divorced, 1851. Wni. T. Sheffield has worked in Long- 
ley's harness shop, Lewiston, 10 years. 

Daniel C. Sheffield ni. (2nd) in Hopkinton, Mass., Mercy 
Smith. Their dau., Mary Jane, m. Herbert Adams. Mrs. Shef- 
field d. around 1861. ]\Ir. Sheffield's mother, then the widow of 
Capt. Levi Ludden in Dixfield, went to live with son in Hop- 
kinton, Mass. She was there in 1866, and had a home there the 
Test of her life. Mr. Sheffield outlived his mother, and d. around 
1876, at his wife's cottage, Hopkinton. He was at Peru at date 
of incorporation, and first settled at West Peru. He built the 
brick house northwest of the Cem., nov/ owned by Sylvester Frost. 
The Sheffield children were b. there. Daniel was capable, a fine 
23enman, but too unstable to make a success. 

Liberty Walker m. Nov. 22, 1856, Euth Thurlow Taylor, b. 
Apr. 15, 1835, d. in Bridgtnn, Jan. 27, 1899, dau. of Richard and 
Marion (Thurlow) Taylor of Byron. Cliildren b. on the Geo. 
Walker farm :— Clara A., h. Sept. 22, 1860; Asaph J., b. Aug. 
2, 1865; AVarrcn AV., b. Sept. 17, 1870; Annie C, adopted dau., 
b. in Bridgton, Jan. 21. 1880; Clara A., m. in Bridgton, Xov. 22, 
1898, Augustus E. Douglass, b. Nov. 27, 1872. Their children:— 
Geo. C. W., b. Aug. 15, 1901; Herbert A. D., 1). Jan. 19, 1903. 

Other grandchildren of liberty and Ruth T. Walker not men- 
tioned: — Asaph J., m. Sept. 30, 1891; ]\linnie A. Plummer, b. 
Oct. 10, 1867. Their children b. in Bridgton :— Ruth 0., I). July 
5, 1896: Asa])li P., b. Sept. 26, 1900; Minot G., b. July 2, 1902; 
Warren AA'.. m. Sept. -1. 1893, Minnie L. Saunders, 1). Fc1). 22, 
1870. Children :— Robert W., b. Oct. 4, 1898; Roger T., b. Feb. 
18. 1900; adopted dau. of Liberty; Annie C. AVallcer, m. June 20, 
1901, Trvin E. Brown, b. Aus:. 25. 1875. Children :— Eleanor J. 



HisTorxY OF THE ToAvx OF Peru 285 

Brown, b. July G, 1902; Mildfed E., b. June 22, 190-1, d. Sept. 8, 
1901; Lawrence G., b. Aug. -i, 1906. 

Another of Peru's favorite sons who do honor to their nativity 
is Asaph J. AValker, D. D. S., Bridgton, Me. Dependent finan- 
cially upon his own resources, he worked his way up and fitted for 
his chosen profession, -which he has filled nobly many years. He, 
too, feels it a duty to care for the dust of kindred, near and dear, 
gone before. To him it is a laleasure to care for their last resting 
place. Xo greater mark of respect can be shown for them. He 
contributes liberally to restore and care for the old Knight Cem, 
His modesty forbids this mention, and writer perils his displeasure. 

Mrs. Liberty "Walker d. in Feb., 1903, at Bridgton, Me. She 
had in the family several articles of cotton and linen hand-made 
by loom a century ago. A cotton sheet, stout as an ordinary table- 
cloth, was made from the first lot of cotton warp yarn brought into 
the town of Livermore, and woven by ilelinda Holman, as part 
of her wedding outfit. One of the cherished heirlooms in tlie 
family is the loom in which they were woven. It was originally 
owned and run by her aunt, Dolly Holman of Livermore, a notable 
weaver of the last century, and given by her to Melinda, who, 
during a long and busy life, wove many thousand yards of home- 
made after her marriage to Geo. Walker and they removed to 
Peru. She was one of the most famous spinners and weavers in 
the count}'. She kept account of weaving alone the first few years 
amounting to four hundred dollars, a small part of her lifework. 

By the marriage of Sally Walker to Josiah Hobbs in Liver- 
more, he and Hezekiah Walker swapped sisters. Hezekiah, haAing 
no child, adopted Daniel when young, the son of AVm., Jr., by 
first wife. He cared for Hezekiah, and at his death succeeded to 
his estates. Wm., Jr., m. (1st) ^lary, dau. of Merrill Knight, 
Sr., May 17, 1811. Wife d. Feb. 25, 1819, ae. 29 years, nine 
months. Children :—Winslow, b. Aug. 22, 1811; Daniel, b. Feb. 
13, 1817, d. Aug. 26, 1854, m. Jan. 22, 1846, Sabrina Eobinson in 
Peru; Martha Walker, b. Mar. 16, 1819, m., 1853, Orin Eeynolds, 
"widowed."' Wife d. May 25, 1877. Wm. Walker, Jr., m. (2nd) 
Mercy, b. 1792, d. May 6, 1877, dau. of Eev. Nathaniel Chase of 
Buckfield. Children :—Wm. Haskell, b. Jan. 7, 1824, m. Mrs. 
Sabrina Walker, "widow" Amanda M.. 1). Feb. 21, 1829, m. Oria 
"Reynolds, his third wife, and d. :N"ov. 19, 189^- "Hplia, b. Mar. 12, 
1834. m. (1st) Gilbert Eustis of Dixfield, Apr. 2, 1863. Their 



26ij HiSTOltY Vh- THE TOWX OF PeKU 

dan. d. young. Husband d. Nov. 11-, 1866. Mrs. Eustis remar- 
ried Amos Harlow, his second wife. He d. Feb. 15, 1896. Mrs. 
Harlow sold her interest to Mr. Bassett, the present owner, and 
removed to the Walker mansion, continuing there the rest of life, 
which terminated Nov. 14, 1906. This woman and her sisters 
were noble, high-minded, exemplary Christians. Wm. H. Walker 
Avas a very conscientious man. He and wife were devoted Chris- 
tians. Mrs. Walker was the personification of Christian graces. 

Wm. H. Walker d. on home farm, Oct. 10, 1906. Sabrina d. 
at Bridgton, Aug. 3, 1909, in family of Chas. S. Walker. Chil- 
dren of Wm. Haskell and Sabrina Walker: — Chas. Sumner, b. 
Mar. 9, 1857, m. Lizzie M. Hazelton, dau. of John F. and Lydia 
J. Hazelton. Their children are lola A., m. in Bridgton, Me., 
June 3, 1910, at home of lier parents, Kev. Wm. Porter Ames, 
pastor of Congregational church, Westport, Mass. This couple 
were graduates of Bates Coll. in the class of 1909. Chas. S, 
Walker is suj)erintendent of town schools in Bridgton and Har- 
rison, 1909 and 1910. Alma C. Second son of W^m. H. was 
Daniel H., b. Feb. 8, 1859, d. Sally Walker, who m. Josiah Hobbs, 
Livermore, had son, AVilliam. The children of Eleanor Q. (Kyle) 
True were :— Mahala, b. Dec. 8, 1832 ; Mary D., b. Feb. 38, 1835 ; 
John Henry, b. Apr. 30, 1836; Edward Morrill, b. Apr. 34, 1840; 
Edward, b. Nov. 3, 1844. 

Winslow, son of AVm. Walker, Jr., by first wife, m. Jan. 13, 
1835, Amanda M., b. May 33, 1815, dau. of Ichabod and Betsey 
(Goodin) Benson. Children :— Mercy H., b. Dec. 8, 1835, d. 
May, 1836; A¥m. Chandler, b. Apr. 34, 1837, m. Mar. 33, 1863, 
Sarah M. Cilley of Wilton, b. May 10, 1847. He d. at Esther- 
ville, Iowa, Sept. 39, 1904. Moved from Peru about 1868. Chil- 
dren :— Charles H., b. Feb. 38, 1864, m. Mar. 15, 1891. Belle P. 
Morse; have dau., b. 1893; res.. Dunnell, Minn. ; occui^ation, a pros- 
perous meat merchant. George Edgar, b. Nov. 5, 1866, m. Freda 
Anderson. Children, two sons and a dau. Occupation, insurance 
agent, Estherville, Iowa. Angie May, b. Feb. 35, 1869, m. Sept. 
3, 1885. Albert Austin, farmer, southern Minn. Children : — Lena 
L., b. Aug. 9, 1874, d. Aug. 15. 1875; Alvah Benson, b. Apr. 19, 
1880, d. May 3, 1883; six living. Wm. Winslow, b. Apr. 15. 1885, 
m. May 3, 1907, at Estherville. Iowa. Grace, dan. of Herbert W. 
Woods. Mr. Walker is assistant cashier of Iowa Savings Bank. 
He was reared a farmer, continuing till the age of 17 years, when 




LILLIAN LUCILE WALKER, Estherville, Iowa. 




A. B. WALKER, WIFE AND SON. 



History of the Towx of Peru 287 

his ambition lead liim to join the business centers in seeking wealtli. 
He began banking, 1904. They have a bouncing girl, Lucian Lucile 
Walker, b. Oct. 12, 1910, weight 17 pounds when four months old. 
See cut. 

Wm. Chandler "Walker, m. Sarah l\. Cilley, b. Wilton, Me., 
dau. of John K. Cilley, b. in Andover, X. H., 1817, and Amanda 
Carter, b. in Bow, AT. H., 1827, d. 1856, dau. of Hiram Carter, b. 
in Concord, A^. H., June 18, 1802, d. Nov. 3, 1890, and Sally A. 
Mayhew of Livermore, Me. Col. John Carter, great-grandfather 
of Sarah M., served in the Revolutionary War, and in Y/ar of 1812 
as Lieut. Col. He was b. 1759, d. 1847. He was a native of Con- 
cord, X, H. Reader Avill note that above dates reveal that the 
mother of Sarah M. Cilley d. when she was about eight years old, 
which accounts for her adoption in the family of Anson Hall in 
Wilton, her home at time of her marriage. He came of the IST. H. 
Halls and m. Fanny, the dau. of Goin and Eunice Knight of Peru. 
They had four children, the oldest a son. jSTames of the others 
were Betsey, Eunice and Albion. Here is opportunity for candi- 
dates to "Daughters of American Revolution." 

Alfred B., second son, b. Aug. 22, 1840, m. July 1, 1865, Mary 
Lucia Colby, Hill, N. H., dau. of Hiram and Judith Colb}'. Their 
child, Daniel Webster, b. Jan. 22, 1866, m. Oct. 12, 1889, Eva E., 
dau. of Otis Gammon, in Peru. Their children: — Colby C. Walk- 
er, b. Dec. 7, 1891; Mildred E., b. July 28, 1890; Merton 0., b. 
Oct. 9, 1893; Stella M., b. Feb. 19, 1897; Luena, b. Aug. 11, 
1899 ; Wilma Eva, b. Dec. 18, 1902. Colby C. entered Bates Coll. 
(English course), Sept., 1910. 

Third son of Winslow and Amanda Walkei' was Clias. Wins- 
low, b. July 4, 1845, m. around 1866, Lyda Hathaway, in Canton, 
dau. of Tolman Hathaway. Their children: — Frank Lesli>', m. 
Julia ]\rerrill, school teacher of Portland. They have two sons 
and two daughters. Last birth, Mar., 1909, a son and daughter. 
Minnie, m. Geo. Glover, a farmer in Rumford. Children :— Jen- 
nie, m. Mr. Towne, commercial traveler; Charles, farmer and 
teamster at home; Alphonso. farmer on home farm; Lilly, dress- 
maker in Boston ; Ella, pupil at JSTormal School, fitting for teacher. 

The only daughter of Winslow was Abbie Griffith, b. Feb. 12, 
1843, m. Pub., Jan. 25, 1861, Walter Scott Is^ewton. He was 
a soldier, Co. C, 16th Me. Their children:— Alfred Walter, b. 
July 16, 1861. See Abraham Newton's children and their mar- 



288 History of the Towx of Peru 

riage. Fred Grant, b. Ma}' 5, 1864, in. Mar. 31, 1883, Matilda 
Correna, dan. of Albion K. P. and Eniil}- (Barstow) Knight. They 
had son, Hoy, and parted. Russell Andrew, b. Sept. 24, 18G6 ; 
Winslow Perley, b. Sept. 29, 1868; Fannie Grace, b. Feb. 13, 
1870, m. Xov. 10, 1889, Valentine C. Xeal, Livermore, a prosper- 
ous farmer. Walter S. Newton d. Nov, 10, 1870, ae. 33 years; his 
widow m. Oct. 1, 18T6, Samuel F. Robinson. No issue. She d. 
Oct. 16, 1881, in Peru. 

Samuel F. Robinson was b. in Livermore. His sister, Martha 
J., m Sidne}' i^ustin. He was a useful citizen, doing carpenter 
work. He served as town clerk a term of years, and lastly was 
postmaster several years at West Peru. He m. (2nd) Dec. 1, 
1888, Ella C, dau. of Cyrus Dorr. Children: — Grace E., m. Otto 
Holt in Dixfield; Chas. M., a graduate of high school. Mr. Rob- 
inson joined Baptist church Apr. 14, 1877. He was a devoted 
husband, forbearing. Wife d. Feb. 11, 1908. He d. at his home 
Sept. 24, 1909. Highly respected. 

Nathan Walker, b. May 9, 1792, m. Fannie, dau. of Daniel 
Torrey, Dixfield. Children: — Clarissa, b. May 3, 1822, did not 
marr}', d. July 29, 1845; Sarah Ann, b. May 3, 1824, m. Standish 
Sampson in Hartford; George Danforth, b. July 31, 1826. He 
left town about 1850 or before. After a few years he was reported 
in Canada, having a wife and two children, a son, Fred. He re- 
turned to his father's home, then near West Peru, Avhere he d. 
June 12, 1859. Nancy Ellen, b. Apr. 12, 1830, m. Sylvester 
Washburn, Hartford, published Apr. 15, 1853. They moved to 
Aroostook in after years and had several children. He became a 
victim of free love, left family and home for parts unknown, and 
never returned. Wife d. there. Children known: — Alice, Ernest, 
Gertrude. They lived at Caribou. Tabitha Sibyl Walker, b. Apr. 
20, 1833, d. Nov. 27, 1842. 

Fannie Freeland Walker, b. Feb. 12, 1835, m. Sept. 16, 1865, 
in Bridgton, Mass., Edward P. Cleaves. Occupation, dealer in 
stoves and hardware. He d. in 1877. No issue. Mrs. Cleaves 
remarried in 1892, Edmund Stuart, a merchant tailor in Con- 
cord, Mass., where he d. in 1898. No issue. Mrs. Stuart is now 
living, 1910, at No. 9 Pleasant Ave., Woodfords, Me. 

Wm. Snow Walker, b. Mar. 27, 1837, m. May 8, 1862, Harriet 
L. Tucker, b. Mar. 11, 1842, dau. of William and Lydia (Ludden) 
Tucker. Children:— Fred 0., b. June 6, 1863; Kate Carroll, b. 
Dec. 24, 1864, m. Ralph M. Woodsum, b. July 9, 1866, son of 



History of the Toavn" ov Peru ,289 

Will, and Hattie M. (Denienitt) Woodsiun. Win. Snow d. Dec. 
12, lyO-i. He and wife were zealous eliurcii members, he of Free 
Baptist clmrch and wife of Congregational church. Julia Augus- 
ta, b. Oct. 2, 1842, d. 1887; Clara Jane. b. Aug. 25, 1845, m. 
1865, C. F. Wetherbee in Peru. Children : — One son, and four 
daughters, living and farmers. Julia and Clara were daughters 
of iSTathan Walker. Nathan Walker, m. second wife, her maiden 
name was Betsey A. Eustis, North Hampton, Mass., Pub. Feb. 9, 
1853, to Betsey A. Willoughby, "widow." He d. June 10, 1863. 
She d. Mar. 3, 1874. Graves of Nathan Walker and first wife 
are in the Knight Cem. Both were among the founders of the 
^lethodist Episcopal church in Peru. 

Fred 0., son -of Wm. Snow Walker, m. Sadie W., Mar. 29, 
1884, dau. of Virgil P. and Caroline (Woodsum) Hall. Had 
dau., Lelia. Wife deserted family. She next m. P. L. Bates, a 
E. E. operative at Bangor, Me. Fred 0., divorced, m. (2nd) 
around 1898, Ida Moore, a telegraph operator at West Peru sta- 
tion at one time. Mr. Walker has dealt in hardware, Congress 
St., Eimiford, 15 years or more. He is a prominent member in 
the Methodist church and other organizations there. There was 
notice in paper that Miss Lelia Walker while on a visit to her 
mother, Mrs. P. L. Bates, in Bangor, would on June 16, 1910, 
be married to Fred W. Smith of Eumford and would continue 
their residence at the latter place, where Mr. Smith is employed in 
the P. 0. 

Eebecca Walker, b. Oct. 9, 1795, m. about 1815, Wm. Kyle, 
then in Peru, a brother to Amos Kyle. Children : — Wm. M., b. 
Nov. 10, 1815; Sibyl, b. Oct. 13, 1817: Mary, b. Oct. 28, 1819. 
This family moved to Eumford. Sibyl Walker, b. Aug. 14. 1794, 
m. Enoch Perkins. She d. Mar. 19, 1816. 

Charity Walker, b. Nov. 27, 1797, m. Apr. 17, 1815, Amos 
Kyle, Peru. Children :— Eleanor, b. Oct. 15, 1815, m. Mar. 16, 
1834, Moses True, Peru. They moved to Fayette around 1840. 
Charity, Jr., b. Dec. 18, 1817, m. Apr. 5, 1842, Wm. Cooper in 
Paris. Charles Walker Kyle, b. Aug. 27, 1820, m. July, 1843, 
Lowanna Soper of Livermore. He was a member of a shoe firm 
at Lewiston several years. Amos Merrill Kyle, b. Mar. 10, 1822, 
m. (1st) Sarah G. Bachelder, dau. of Nathaniel of Fayette, m. 
about 181-7. She d. in 1866. See family of Amos M. Kyle. 

Mary Walker, b. June 26, 1800, m. Edsel Grover, removed to 
Carthage, d. Sept. 5, 1842. Dea. Samuel Walker, b. Nov. 26, 



290 History of the Towx of Peru 

1805, m. Pub., Feb. 6, 1831 (1st), Mary K Kyle of Minot. She 
d. 1837. Children :— Serena H., b. July 10, 1831, m. Wm. Keith. 
Have son, Walter, and dau., m. Hay ford in Monmouth. Mary 
d. Jul}'' 16, 1835, ae. one year; Elizabeth, b. 1833, m. Sumner 
Koyes. Mr. Walker m. (2nd) Eachel H. ¥ash, b. 1807. Chil- 
dren: — Winslow Walker, m. Orvilla Jones, Lewiston; Marilla M., 
d. Mar. 10, 1845, ae. three years, three months; Sarah M., d. 
Dec. 12, 1857, ae. three years, 10 months. Dea. Samuel Walker 
d. in Peru, Feb. 4, 1881. His wife, Eachel, d. May 19, 1900, ae. 
93 years, six months. They were interred in Canton Cem. First 
wife buried in Auburn, Me. Writer has knowledge that Dea. 
Walker and last wife were devoted Christians, and presumes first 
wife was the same. 

Eliza S., the 12th and last child of Wm. and Sibyl Walker, b. 
Apr. 20, 1808, m. Joseph Eicker, Peru Cent., Sept. 4, 1825. He 
was the only blacksmith here from early twenties till his death, 
Jan. 24, 1845, ae. 43 years. His widow d. Apr. 1, 1849, ae. 41 
years. Children :— Mary Ann, b. Xov. 7, 1826, d. Aug. 7, 1827; 
Eosanna, b. Feb. 11, 1838, m. 1850, Ezekiel A. Poland. They had 
two sons, Joseph Edwin C, b. May 7, 1851, d. July 3, 1898, and 
Henry W., b. Mar. 3, 1853. Their mother, suffering from de- 
rangement of mind, inherited from her grandmother Walker, 
ended life by hanging, Aug. 12, 1853. Joseph Edwin C, m. July 
19, 1877, Ada L. Eich, dau. of John F. and Anna E. Eich, Wood- 
stock, b. Sept. 81, 1857. Their children :— Carrie L., b. July 13, 
1879, d. Oct. 31, 1894; Carroll H.. b. June 5. 1881, d. Apr. 5, 
1883; Wesley E., b. Mar. 35, 1883; Walter P., b. Oct. 15. 1886; 
Leon L., b. Mar. 12, 1893. The head of the following family is a 
prosperous farmer at Labrador pond, Sumner, Me. : Henry Wes- 
ley Poland, m. Jan. 2, 1883, Frances Ellen, dau. of Joshua and 
Lucy Bussell Young. Wife b. ISTov. 19, 1857. Their children:— 
Llewellyn Henry, b. Jan. 2, 1886 ; Florence Lucy, b. Dec. 6, 1890. 
The parent, Henry AVesley Poland, d. Apr. 12-13, 1908. His 
wife's mother was the dau. of Ephraim Eussell, Sr., in Hartford. 
She worked for writer's father, doing housework two years in n\ id- 
die forties. She was highly respected. 

The third dau. of Eliza (Walker) Eicker. Elnora, b. Apr. 7, 
1829, m. Liberty Hall, second, son of Jeremiah, Aug., 1849. No 
issue, and d. in Peru, Aug. 12, 1853, of consumption. Ardelia, 
b. Nov. 13, 1831, m. May, 1854, Armstrong Webster of Gray. He 
enlisted Jan. 9, 1864. Corp,, Co. K. 30th Me. Inf., ae. 41 years, 



History of the Towx of Peru ,291 

d. of disease June 17, 1864, in army service, at Louisiana. Wife 
d. June 24, 1868. Their children : — Louville, b. in Gray, Mar. 
27, 1855, m. Mar. 22, 1879, in Peru, Francelia A. Twombly of 
Eumford. One child, Plora Hortense, b. in Eumford, June 23, 
1880. \Yife d. in Providence, R. I., Apr. 12, 1896. Mr. Webster 
resides in Greene, E. I., a farmer and mason. Albert, b. in Gor- 
ham, Aug. 39, 1856, m. Dec. 11, 1893, Clara Thayer of Black- 
stone, Mass. He runs a milk farm there. His child, Louis Arm- 
strong, b. Sept. 36, 1894. Florence Adell, dau. of Ardelia Web- 
ster, b. in Gray, Sept,, 1858, d. in Gorham, July 18, 1874: Julia 
Hortense, b. in Gray, June, 1862, m. in Gorham, June 38, 1900, 
Arthur S. Libby, a farmer. Ees., Turner, Me. Children : — Hilda 
Viola, b. in Manchester, N. H., Apr. 16, 1901; Doris Ardelia, b. 
in Gorham, Me., July 8, 1903. Dates brought down to Sept., 
1909. 

Eleanor Kyle, b. Feb. 19, 1834, d. May 23, 1836; Charles Hen- 
r)\ b. Xov. 3, 1837, d. Jan. 32, 1838; Eliza Ellen, b. Mar. 28, 
1840. See family of Joseph Eicker for children and those of 
Joseph Wesley, b. Nov. 33, 1843. Albert Webster joined the Bap- 
tist church in Peru in 1866. He was a resident and paid taxes 
here in 1881 on the jSTathan Walker farm. In Aug. of same year 
he was at Woonsocket, E. I. Writer has his letter showing very 
scholarly and elegant penmanship. He showed sterling qualities 
and true nobility. He is an honor to the offspring, of Peru. 

Family of Wm. and Sib}^ (Staples) Walker came to Peru, 
1803: — Hezekiah, b. Jan. 4, 1784, m. Dorcas Hobbs of Livermore; 
Susannah, b. Apr. 9, 1785, m. Jedediah White, from Jay; George, 
b. Apr. 10, 1786, m. Melinda Holmaii of Livermore; Sally, b. 
June 2, 1788, m. Josiah Hobbs in Livermore; William, J]-., b. 
Sept. 30, 1790, m. (1st) Mary Knight, (2nd) Mercy Chase in 
Peru: Nathan, b. May 9, 1793, m. (1st) Fannie Torrey, (2nd) 
Betsey A. Willoughby; Sibyl, b. Aug. 14, 1794, m. Enoch Per- 
kins in Topsham, d. Mar. 19, 1816; Eebecca, b. Oct. 9, 1795, m. 
Wm. Kyle in Peru; Charity, b. Nov. 27, 1797, m. Amos Kyle in 
Peru; Mary, b. June 26, 1800, m. Edsel Grover in Peru; Samuel, 
b. Nov. 26, 1805, m. (1st) Mary N. Kyle, (2nd) Eachel Nash. cl. 
in Peru; Eliza, b. Apr. 20, 1808, m. Joseph Eicker in Peru. 

The heads of this family and seven of their children as heads 
of families lived and d. in Peru. Two others married and raised 
families here and left town. The descendants of Wm. Walker. 
Jr.. are the only representatives of the Walker family in Peru in 



29-3 IJisTuiiv OF TILE Towx or Peru 

the year lUOU. Those of Geo. Walker are at Bridgton, Me., and 
LeAviston: of Xathan Walker, at Ed. Falls, and scattered over the 
state. Daughter, Fannie, a widow in Portland, ]\Ie., P. 0. AVood- 
fords. 

Woodsum 

Eev. William AV^oodsuni, son of John Woodsum, was b. in Saco, 
Me., 1792, and left an orphan in boyhood. He m. in 1814, Eosan- 
nah Woodman, b. in Buxton, Me., 1795, d. in Peru, Oct. 27, 1862, 
They settled soon after m. in Sumner, continuing there 17 years. 
Next he made a clearing and built a log house on the Office Eowe 
farm, on Speer's stream, where one son, Chas, B., was born, and 
family lived till the frame house was built and made serviceable. 
A road was laid out by town from land of Woodsum to Adam 
Knight's mill, Apr. 13, 1832. This enabled him to build the 
frame house. Eev. Mr. Woodsum began his ministry not exceed- 
ing seven years after his marriage and continued 50 years. His 
first record of marriage returned to Peru is dated May 29. 1831. 
Bride and groom lived in Sumner, and up to Jan. 24, 1833, he 
had record of ten marriages of couples, one or both of Peru. He 
left record of attending about 400 funerals and received $20 for 
same. He founded the Free Baptist church in Peru and con- 
tinued its pastor nearly 40 years! This church got a new lease 
of life and its first church edifice as a legacy by A. C. Small. 
This is the only church that maintains an organization in toA\Ti, 
1910. Eev. Mr. Woodsimi m. (2nd), 1864, Eliza Emerson. He 
d. July 24, 1872, interred beside first wife, Dickvale Cem. 

Eev. ^h\ Woodsum was representative of Peru in legislature, 
1832, and his son, William, in 1875. Children: — Benjamin E., 
m. (1st) Permelia Leadbetter in Leeds. Wife d. He m. (2nd) 
Arrand Gould in Leeds. He d. in Fayette, 1877. Widow d. in 
California, 1887: Sarah W., b. May 18, 1818, m. Levi J. Atkins; 
Elnora, b. Jan. 31, 1816, m. Seth Jackson; Albert G., b. 1820, 
d. Aug. 2, 1850; Esther, b. July 2, 1824, m. Merrill Knight, 2nd; 
William, Jr., b. Jan. 25, 1826; Eufus, m. Clark in Brain- 
tree, !Afass. He d. in South Braintree. Widow survives, last 
laiown. Olive, m. Oct. 15, 1854, Franklin Bradford, formerly of 
Carthage. Ees., Turner, ^ater in Hartford, where he d. in 1875. 
No issue. Widow d. in Hebron, 1901-2. Charles Bean, b. July 
29, 1832, in Peru, the first b. here; EopaTinah. b. Oct. 24. 1834, 
m. Ansel Sta])le3 in Canton: Caroline, 1). 'Slnr. 4. 1839, ni. Yirgil 
P. Hall in Porn. 



History of the Towx of Pfku 293 

[Marriages: Win. Woodsum, Jr., in. Pub., Xov. 10, 185G, Hat- 
tie M. Demerritt, dan. of James JM. and Harriet (Galacia) De- 
merritt of Lynn, Mass. He engaged in trade in the Alvah Small 
store prior to liis marriage, and contimied into tlie eighties. He 
served as town clerk several years and was county commissioner 
one term, after he quit trade. j\Ir. Woodsum was one of the main 
pillars of the Free Baptist churcli. He and family were devoted 
mem];ers of clunch and prominent members of the choir. He d. 
Jan. 4, 1898. Widow d. Oct. 19, 1898, ae. 62 years, four months. 
l;! days. Tlieir cliihlren :— Ealph M., b. July 9, 1866, m. Nov. 
29. 1890, Kate C. dau. of Wm. S. Walker. Xo issue. He was 
employed by tlic P. and P. F. Ey. as bookkeeper and train des- 
pateher at IM. Falls a term of years, and continues under the 
M. C. P. P. Pes. at Pd. Falls. 

Xathaniel B., b. Xov. G, 1869, m. Dec. 25, 1881, Bertha P.. 
daii. of Benj. B. Wyman. Their children are Gerald B. and 
Esther. Mr. Woodsum continues a resident at the homestead in 
AVest Peru Vill. He served here as station agent several years, 
and later is bookkeeper for the spool mills at Dixfield. This is 
the only representative family of Pev. Mr. Woodsum of family 
name in town, 1910. Sterling integrity and exemplary deport- 
ment are still family traits in the third generation. Of the 11 
children of Pev. ]\Ir. Woodsum. C'has. B. only survives. He m. 
Pub.. June 18, 1857, Priscilla M., 1). May 1. 1836, dau. of Bowers 
Walton of Peru. They removed to Holliston, Mass., where their 
only child. Maurice Bertine. was !>., Apr. 25, 1863. He took a 
business course of study. He m. in 1885. Mary H. Dow of Dover, 
'N. H. Tliey have two sons and a daughter. AYife, Priscilla J\[.. 
d. Aug.. 1902. Albert G. Woodsum, m. Catherine Bragg, widow 
of Dr. Bragg of Hartford. Catherine Woodsum remarried a man 
by the name of Tinkham. a merchant at Mechanic Falls, wliere 
both closed this life. 

Family of Ansel G. and Eosannah (Woodsum) Staples in Can- 
ton. Mr. Staples was b. Apr. 23, 1832, m. Jan. 21. 1855. d. Jan. 
20, 1908. Wife d. Feb. 28, 1898. They were leading active mem- 
bers of the Free Baptist church many years at Canton, and highly 
respected citizens. Each had taught several terms of school prior 
to their marriage. Children :—:\rary A., b. Sept. 8, 1858, d. Oct., 
1871: Flora H., b. Jan. 3, 1863, m. Edward L. Bisbee in Canton: 
Mary Louise, b. Sept. 1, 1867, a popular vocal and instrumental 
teacher of music; Edith E.. b. Feb. 1, 1873, m. Simeon B. Ellis 
in Canton. 



294 History of the Towx of Peru 

Wyman Family 

Ancestors of the Wyiiuiii family as given by Bev. Windsor H. 
W3'man of Xortli Abington, Mass. : Since your letter arrived, I 
have traced my own history back to Europe. I have before me 
nine names. Francis Wyman was b. in 1617, if I am rightly 
informed, and came to this country about 1630 or 1631. He had 
a son, Thomas, who was b. in 1671, and that Thomas had a son, 
Thomas, who was b. in 1697, and his son, Abraham, was b. in 1727 
in Woburn, Mass. He had a son, Thomas, b. in 1770, and his son, 
Samuel Stillman, was b. in 1809, and his son, Elisha Smith, was 
b. in 1834, his oldest son, Windsor H., was b. in 1857, and his 
oldest son, Eichard M., was born in 1892. 

Abraham Wyman went from Woburn, Mass., to Winthrop, Me., 
now known as Eeadfield, and m. a woman by the name of Call. 
They liad several sons. Daniel, the oldest, was a soldier in the 
Revolutionary AVar, was a great Indian fighter and a hunter withal. 
On his seventieth birthday he killed two moose at one shot. 

Tlic second son, Thomas Wyman ,was b. in Winthrop, Aug. 
10, 1770, and d. in Livermore, Felj. 1, IS"^-"). He married for his 
wife, Susanna, dan. of Elisha Smitli, who was b. in Eeadfield, 
July 17, 1775, and d. Mar. 30, 18"25 ; botli d. in Livermore, where 
they spent the greater part of their lives. Their children were 15 
in number : — Eliza, b. in Livermore, Jan. 19, 1789 ; Sally, b. in 
Livermore, Dec. 27, 1790; Wm., 1st, b. in Livermore, Apr. 21, 
1795, d. in infancy; Wm., 2nd, b. in Livermore, May 20, 1796; 
Xancy, b. in Livermore, Sept. 22, 1799; Thos., 1st, b. in Liver- 
more, Jan. 22, 1800, d. at the age of 14; Susanna, b. in Livermore, 
June 27, 1802, d. Dec. 19, 1825, in her 23rd year; Martin L., b. 
in Livermore, Mar. 20, 1804, d. May 27, 1825, at the age of 21; 
John ('. 1st, b. in Livermore, June 18, 1805, d. June 19, 1806: 
John (\, 2nd. b. in Livermore, Apr. 10, 1807; Sam'l Stillman, b. 
in Greene, Sept. 11, 1809; Elisha Smith, b. in Livermore, May 15, 
1811, d. in Texas, Jan. 26, 1853; Henry Harrison, 1). in Livermore, 
Sept. 10, 1813: Thos. Wyman, 2nd, 1). in Livermore, Mar. 16. 
1817: "Henj. B.. 1). in Livermore, Oct. 1. 1,S2L d. May !», 1829. 
1829. 

From this record, taken from Thos. AVyman's family Bible, it 
appears that Samuel Stillman Wyman was the eleventh child of a 
family of 15 children, several of whom d. in infancy and early 
life. Eliza became the wife of Wm. Moore of Jav, and Xancv 



5 

ofq' 




History of the Towx of Peru 295 

became the wife of Peter Moore, a brother of William, of Jay also. 
Sally never married. AMlliam, the second, became a Baptist preach- 
er and married for his wife, Lncy Warren. He d. Dec. lU, 1868, 
in the town of Livermore, where he spent his life. To this couple 
there were born Thos. and William King, who married and lived 
in Livermore the entire period of their lives. They had two 
daughters, Amanda and Sarah. Amanda became the wife of Wal- 
ter Wing of Livermore, father of Geo. C. Wing of Auburn, and 
Sarah became the wife of Xelson White of Dixfield, now for sev- 
eral years living in retirement in Winthrop, Me. It may be there 
were other children, but I have no record of them. Both sons and 
both daughters of \Vm. Wyman have passed on. John Calvin, the 
second, next in order of those who lived to mature age, m. Betsey 
Lyford of Livermore. In early life they moved to Peru. To them 
were born three sons and two daughters — Susanna, who became the 
wife of Albion Knox ; Thos., who m. Nancy Piper ; Martin Luther, 
who still survives at an advanced age in the town of Enniford; 
John C, who now resides in Peru; and Betsey, who became the 
wife of Wni. Trask. Only two of this family remain. It appears 
that about this time Thos. Wyman and his wife moved to Greene, 
where Samuel Stillman, their eleventh child, was born. They 
moved back to Livermore shortly after this, where the rest of their 
children were born. 

To Samuel Stillman Wyman were born three sons and one 
daughter that grew to mature age — Xancy, who became the wife 
of Andrew Jackson Churchill of Peru ; Otis, who lives in the old 
homestead at Rumford, wliich was formerly Peru, now in his 
TSth year; Elislia Smith, who also lived and d. in Peru, Sept. 1-i. 
189-^ ; and Stillman Gibbs, who, in his 71st year, is residing in 
Xorth Al)ington, Mass. In addition to those wlio grew up, there 
was at least a pair of twins that d. in infancy. Henry Harrison m. 
Mary Wliite. He spent the greater part of his life in Rumford, 
wliere lie raised up a large family of children. Tliese facts were 
taken, in a large measure, from the record in the (ild family Bi))le 
that was uiy grandfatlier's, Tlios. Wyman. Some of the dates are 
considerably blurred. l)ut for tlie most part I think you will find 
them correct. 

W. H. WYMAX. 

Rev. Samuel Stillman Wyman was b. in the town of Greene, 
Me., Sept. 11, 1809. June 17, 1829, he m. Mehitable, dau. of Frank 



296 History of titk Towx of Vehu 

Gibbs of Liveiinore and Phoebe (Edes) Gibbs of C'liestervillc. Me- 
hitable was b. Jan. 31, 1812. Rew Samuel S. AVvman d. Mar. 25, 
1889, and liis wife d. Oct. 2;), 1891. He was ordained a Baptist 
minister in 18 13, largel}' through the efforts of Robinson Turner, 
Sr. He labored in conjunction with several other local preachers 
in Carthage, Peru, Rumford, and other adjoining towns for over 
forty years. Pie performed a large number of mari'iages, always 
returning tlie marriage fee to the poor. He kept an open house 
to all callers through life. He championed the aljolition cause 
in the days of its infancy. At a presidential election in the town 
of Peru, when there were but seven who voted that ticket, as he 
handed over his ballot Jie said, "Hero is another A'ote for liberty." 
Children of Kev. .Samnc] S. AA'yman : — Xanc>', b. Xov. G, 1830, 
Peru. d. Mar. 2«, 1903: Otis. b. Aug. 11, 1832. m. (1st) Pub.. 
Mar. 30, 1855, Mary A. Fuller; Elislia Smith, b. Aug. 13, 1834, 
m. Pub., June 22, 1856, Matilda K., dau. of Robert and Betsey 
(Whitcomb) Ban^^tow. d. Sept. 14-, 1892: Sfillinan Gilil)^ h. Dec. 
12, 1840. m. Pub., July 22, 1862, Olive W., b. Dec. 9, 1839. dau. 
of Elbridge G. and Deborah K. Hall of Peru. Their dau., Ethel 
France^:, 1). Jan. 31, 1865. 

Children of Otis and Mary A. Wyman : — Ransom D., 1). Jan. 
21, 1858, m. Mar. 12, 1880, Calista J., dau. of Peleg Oldham. He 
d. Feb. i;, 1901. Edmer Augusta, b. Sept. 20, 1861. She wa^ an 
amiable, promising A^oung lady. Having attained the qualifications 
of an instructor of youth, she began the labors of her clioscn pro- 
fession and tanglit one term of town scliool, wlien her health failed 
and the rose of promise was nipped in the bud. She d., beloved 
and lamented by all, Dec. 7, 1882. Edgar Otis. 1). May 5. 1872, 
m. Jennie Hopkins, dau. of John Hopkins of Peru, ^laiy A. 
Fuller war^ a mend)er of Rev. S. S. Wyman's family from girlhood 
tip to her marriage. She was a devoted Christian mother, highly 
esteemed by all. Slie d. Apr. 15, 1879, ae. 40 years. A-Y^ months. 

Otis Wyman m. (2nd) June 14. 1882, Emily Thompson of 
Rumford. 1). Xov. 1. 1835. It was lier province to care tenderly 
for dau., Edmer, during the last months of her sickness. Mrs. Wy- 
man was a woman of relincnu'nt. of Christian graces and high 
ideals. They lived happily in the bonds of matrimony over 14 
years, till she was called to a higiier life, Dec. 31, 1896. 

Mr. Wyman m. (3d) Xov. 26, 1899, Certrude E. Morton, b. 
Aug. 2, 1853, on Deer Inland, X. B. (widow), dan. of Alexander 
T. and Rebecca J. Lord. Wife first m. Oeorge Morton. Xo issue. 




W, H. WVMAN. 

Proprietor The Bay State Nurserit-s, 
North AbiiiKion, Ma-s. 



History of the Towx of Peeu 297 

Childieu of Eansom D., son of Otis, b. in Peru : — Edna K., b. 
Mar. 23,, 188i; Earl 0., b. Apr. 20, 1887; Mary E., b. June U, 
1888; Georgia. Calista Wynian, widow of Eansom, ni. (2nd) 
Christopher Eeed of Rumford. 

Children of Edgar Otis, son of Otis Wyman: — Earlon 0., b. 
in Peru, annex to Kninford, Sept. 18. 1897; Mildred, b. Sept., 
1899; Thelma, b. Feb., 1901; Eansoni D., b. Dec. 15, 1903; Don- 
ald E., b. Feb. 12, 1907. P. 0., I^xfield; occupation, farmer. 

Children of Stillman Gibbs Wyman and their marriage :^ — 
Ethel Frances, b. Jan. 31, 1865, m. Dec. 1, 1883, Sidney Little- 
field, have dan., Theo E., res., Woodstock, Me.; Delia Augusta, b. 
Nov. 9, 1869. m. Sept., 1890, John E. Hathaway in Woodstock; 
Mabel M., b. Apr. 14. 1872, m. Oct. 1, 1891, Harris L. Elliott at 
Ed. Falls; Wilma H., b. May 7, 1875, d. Oct. 15, 1875; Walton 
Gibbs, b. Mar. 15, 1885, res. witli parents at Xortli Abington, 
Mass. 

Otis Wyman is a p'-osperous farmer on the Wyman homestead, 
that was, before the to\\Ti line was changed, the last farm in Peru 
on the main road to Eumford. He has special endowments that 
have served him well along certain lines. Years ago he dealt in 
hops. Most of dealers became bankrupt. He always sold at the 
opportune moment to strike a balance on right side of ledger. 
.Vnother feature of his genius : A casual look over a tract of tim- 
ber, without count, would enable liim to estimate quite exact the 
amount of lumber standing. It was the basis of negotiations in- 
volving several thousands of dollars with other parties. On his 
home farm he made a lump sale for three thousand dollars more 
tlian was first offered him. The average man gets beat unawares. 

"\Mndsor H. Wynian Avas b. in Peru, Me., now Eumford, Apr. 
14, 1857. He was the oldest son of Elisha Smith and Matilda 
(Barstow) Wyman. He was m. on his 23rd birthday, Apr. 14. 
1880, to Mahel Frances Dearborn, dan. of John C. and Amanda F. 
Dearborn of Canton. Me. On Oct. 25, 1881, the first Mrs. Wyman 
passed away. On ]\lay 27, 1886, A\'in(lsor H. Wyman again mar- 
ried, this time Flora Alma Mclntyie, b. in Perham. Me.. Feb. 26. 
1864. She was the dau. of Chas. S. and Ella F. (:\Io()dy) Mcln- 
tyre. To Mr. and Mrs. AVyman were born the following chil- 
dren :— Florence Mabel, b. in Xo. Abington, Mass.. May 23, 1889, 
in Coll.. 1910: l?ichard Mclntyre, b. in No. Abington, Mass., Apr. 
28, 1892. in Hebron Academy; Donald Dearborn, b. in No. Abing- 
ton. Mass., Apr. 27. 1898; Eachael Alma, b. in No. Abington, 



298 IIisTOjiv OF TJii^ Towx OF Peru 

Mass., Dec. 21, 1903; and an infant, who lived but three days, b. 
May, 1907. 

Other children of ElLsha S. and Matilda K. ^^'ylnan : — Florence 
Edith, b. July -i, 1861. She was scholarly and brilliant, was iitting 
for school teaching, and following this vocation when failing health 
cut short her career. "So fades the lovely blooming flower": d. 
Nov. 16, 1883. 

Ozroe A., b. Mar. 9, 1868,1 was reared a farmer, attended the 
district school and became quite scholarly, was school teacher, and 
next a student in some of the higher seminaries, in view of a pro- 
fessional life. Having acquired a good business education, he final- 
ly chose nursery farming as more lucrative. He is nicely located 
and prosperous at Eockland, Mass. He m. iSTov. 28, 1895, Alice C. 
McDonald, b. North Abington, Aug. 12, 1871, dau. of Alex, b. 
Xova Scotia, and Aurelia, b. Foxboro, Mass., McDonald, Xorlh 
Abington, Mass. Children : — ^Lester M., b. May 15, 1898 ; Louise, 
b. July 26, 1900; Robert D., b. Jan. 3, 1901, d. Mar. 13, 1906; 
Elsie, b. Nov. 4, 1907. This man maintains the Christian char- 
acter and high standing of the Wyman family for many genera- 
tions. He helped to maintain religious service at the old meeting 
house in Peru several years after' he left town. 

Thonuis AVyman the father of Rev. Samuel S., was a Baptist 
minister and one of the seventeen members who organized the first 
Baptist church in Livermore, over a century ago. Two of his sons, 
AYm. and Samuel, as stated, followed his profession. And coming 
doM'u to his great-grandson, Eev. Windsor H. Wyman, we liiive an 
able representative in the pulpit, a graduate of jSTewton, Mass., The- 
ological Seminary, though he is engaged much of the time along 
industrial lines. As a business manager, single handed, lie has 
no peers. He was born a genius. Penetrating and far-seeing, he 
M^as led to convert an old abandoned farm at North Abington, 
Mass., into blooming nurseries as a source of profit^. The plant is 
named "The Bay State Nurseries," of world-wide fame. His keen 
eye of discernment was the first to observe the golden opportunity 
to supply all admirers of plants, flowers and shrubs with the prod- 
ucts of every climate. He has built iip a thriving business in this 
line, of which he is proprietor. His wife, Mrs. Flora A., was a 
member of Edward Little High School, Auburn, before marriage and 
taught school in Peru, Dist. No. 7, in spring of 1886. She is re- 
membei'ed as a fine ladv, an able and efficient instructor. 



go 




History of the Town or Peru 299 

John C. Wynian, ni. Betsey T. Lyford, b. Brentwood, N. H., 
the dau. of Frank and Sarah (Tuck) Lyford, Liverniore, Me. 
This was a Christian family, honorable and industrious. He d. 
Nov. 26, 1884, ae. 77 years, 61/0 months. His wife d. Sept. 34, 
1892, ae. 85 years, 51/2 months. Their cliildren : — Susannah S.. b. 
June 12, 1829, m. Albion K. Knox; Thomas, b. Mar. 23, 1831, 
m. N'ov., 1853, Nancy C, dau. of Wm. Piper. He was a soldier, 
Co. H, 10th Me. war of 18G1; d. Apr. 7, 1868. Martin Luther, b. 
Dec. 4, 1834, m. July, 1858, Tryphena Thomas, Rumford; Betsey 
Lyford, b. Sept. 30, 1836, m. Wm. H. Trask, Peru; John C, Jr., 
b. Mar. 15, 1838, m. Abbie F. Robinson, Pub., Mar. 19, 1866. 

Children of Thomas and Xancy C. Wyman: — Clarence A., b. 
Oct. 8, 1854, d. Jan. 7, 1862; Josephine S., b. Aug. 19, 1857, m. 
Erastus T. Abbott, son of Erastus I. Wife d. Child, Alvah, d. 
Henrietta Adelia, b. Mar. 18. 1860, m. Job R. jMorrill ; Francis L., 
b. Feb. 17, 1863, m. Mabel Rounds of Norway. They had three 
children. He was killed, fell from train of cars in Abington, Mass. 
Clinton M., d. June 16, 1867. ae. 2 years. Esther L, b. Aug. 19. 
1867, m. John Harding of Milton PI. Res., Mass. Children of 
Francis L. are Harold L. Wyman, Leroy and John Francis Wyman 
in Norway, Me. 

Children of Martin Luther and Tryphena Wyman, dau. of John 
Thomas of Rumford: — Oscar Eugene, b. Sept. 24, 1857. They 
had five children. Willard is the only one living, 1909. Aroline 
Ardilla, b. Apr. 7, 1861. Children of John C, Jr„ and Abbie F. 
Wyman :— Thomas A., b. Apr. 30, 1868. m. May 11, 1889; Effie 
M. Gordon; Mary Etta, b. Feb. 11. 1870, d. ae. 10 months: Flora 
A., b. Feb. 3, 1875, m. Grafton B. Gordon : Florence, m. June 15, 
1910, Herbert L. Shaw, ae. 24, of Buckfield. Children of Thomas 
A. Wyman :— Lester, d. May 18. 1895, ae. 4i/o months; Ethel G., 
d. June 23, 1900, ae. 10 years, four months: Guy, d. June 25. 1900. 
ae. three years, four months, 24 days. 

Henry Harrison Wyman, b. Sept. 19, 1813, in Liveniiore, d. 
Mar. 29, 1883, Rumford, m. Apr. 20. 1836, Mary AV.. b. May 28, 
1813. in Dixfield, dau. of Dea. James White. Slie d. Feb. 9, 1892, 
Carthage. Their children :— Eliza J., b. A^ig. 9, 1836, m. Frank 
Richmond. Rumford, had three children. He d. She m. (2nd) 
John Burgess. Woodstock; both d. James Henry, b. June 3, 1838, 
m. Jane Bartlett, Jay: liad one child. Benj. Bradford, b. Mar. 5, 
1840, in Peru, m. Mar. 16, 1865, Betsey Rolf, b. in Peru, Aug. 



500 HiSTOKY OF THE ToWX OF PeKU 

14, 1838, dan. of Elbridge G. and Deborah K. Hall of Peru. He 
%vas of Eumford race of Hall family, and wife was Hall of IST. H. 
Dorrington, b. Nov. 31, 1841, ni. Lucilla K. Howe, May 27, 1875. 
Dorrington ^Yyman enlisted in 4th Bat., Me. Vols., l\Aj. 9, 1865, 
was honorably discharged June 21, 1865. He d. July IS, 1893. 
AVidow and children granted a pension. Martha 0., b. May 22, 
1843, did not marry. Nancy White, b. Oct. 22, 1845, m. Eliphalet 
Goodwin, Kennebunk, Me. Samuel S., b. July 31, 1847, m. (1st) 

May 1, 1869, Susie Crumbie, Mass.: m. (2nd) Marshall 

of Eumford. Have four children living : — Adelbert N., b. Dec. 
24, 1851, m. 1880, Annie Satford, res., Iowa, one child; Horace 
M., b. June 9, 1854, d. 1855; Thomas E., b. Apr. 2, 1856, m. Eliza- 
beth Carney, he d. July 29, 1904; Band AV., b. June 10, 1868, m. 
Mary A. Gorman, had three children, one in Spanish War. Chil- 
dren of Benj. Bradford Wyman: — Bertha P., b. Nov. 9, 1870, m. 
Nathaniel B. Woodsum; Elbridge H., b. Eeb. 12, 1873, m. Dora, 
•dau. of Phineas Abbott, Eumford Ctr. Mr. AYyman's res. is at 
Dickvale. wliere he d. May 15, 1911. 

York 

Gustavus York came from Monmouth in 1840 and settled on 
the Fred Davenport farm. His wife, Attie, and their three oldest 
children, constituted the family then. Children: — George N., b. 
Monmouth, Jan. 17, 1833; Henry Albert, h. Nov. 8, 1836, went to 
Boston, m. Mary Madden, and d. ; Samuel N., b. Oct. 1, 1838, m,, 
1868 to 1870, Dorcas Burgess (divorced). They lived in Dixfield, 
across the river from Peru Ctr. He left wife in two or three years. 
Edward Kent, b. Peru, Dec. 23, 1840, m. in Boston, last known; 
Gustavus A., Jr., b. July 17, 1843, res. in Eevere, Alass. ; Green- 
ville M.. b. Oct. 8, 1845, d.; Charles E., b. Aug. 24, 1848, went 
West. Many of the sons were more prosperous and better men than 
the parent, for the reason they did not inherit his intemperate 
habits. Mr. York resided in a small cabin above mentioned in 
Dixfield the last 5'ears of his life. He left farm in Peru around 
1850. His younger brother came also from Monmouth. Charles 
N. York, b. 1820, d. in Peru, Feb. 8, 1875, m. Nov. 20, 1842, 
Philema, dau. of Zadoc Fobes of Peru. Wife d. May 22, 1871. 
This family were located off the main road, north of the Davenport 
farm. Children :— Betsey M., b. Nov. 19, 1843, m. James M. Gam- 
mon; Chas. F., b. Dec. 28, 1844. d. Aug. 17, 1864; Judith B., b. 
Feb. 18, 1846, m. Pub., Dec. 19, 1862, Wm. Austin of Peru; Sarah 



History of the Towx of Peru 301 

M., b. Jan. 21, 1818, m. Joshua E. Knox iu Peru; James Pierce, 
b. Aug. 18, 1852, m. Feb. 15, 1877, Mary A., dau. of Daniel F. 
Haines; Lilla A., b. Xov. 23, 1853, d. 3'oung; Laforest Chandler, b. 
Juh' 28, 1856, m. Lilla, dau. of Joseph Eaton; Mary Etta, b. June 
23, 1857, m. \Vm. Eideout, res., Waltham, Mass.; Emily A., b. 
May 27, 1862, res., Cal., u. m. ; Phoebe Frances, b. Sept. 28, 1864, 
m. Walter Wilcox, res., Waltham. This is a likely family of chil- 
dren. Their mother came of a Christian family. The types of 
a Christian mother are in evidence to the third generation. 

Family of James P. and Mary A. York. Wife d. ISTov. 12, 
1882, a5. 27 years. Children : — Maud L., m. Emerson Oldham. 
Their dau., Angle M., b. June 14, 1907; Alton L., m. May 16, 
1904, Florence M. Whittemore. Children: — Ellery 0.; Gertrude 
A., b. Oct. 5, 1907. James P. m. (2nd) Apr. 15, 1887, Annie S. 
Lovejoy, "widow." Her maiden name was Eobinson, of Andover, 
Me. Wife left husband. 

Young 

Henry Eben Young was a resident on Gowell hill in the forties. 
He m. May 14, 1841, Ann, dau. of Seth Eoberts. Wife d. Aug. 25, 
1852. Children :— Chas. H., b. A^ov. 1, 1841. He studied for the 
medical profession. At close of war he was living at jSTorth Tur- 
ner. Patience, b. Oct. 18, 1843, m. John Paine in Jay, wife d. ; 
Abigail, b. Dec. 25, 1845, m. Stephen Fletcher; Sarah Jane, b. Aug. 
20, 1847 ; Georgianna, b. Feb. 22, 1850, m. July 3, 1870, Joseph 
B. Torrey in Dixfield. Writer recollects Emery Young in the 
family who played the violin. He and Geo. Walker played together 
at the speaking school in the Waite Dist., where pupils fitted for 
the exhibition at Meeting House. This family moved out of town 
not Ions: after death of wife. 



Death of former resident in Peru: — Comrade Thomas Farrar, 
d. in Canton, Aug. 30, 1911. 

Indians 

Originally the Indians of Maine Avere divided into two distinct 
nations — the Etchekins, who occupied the lands from the Penob- 
scot eastward : and the Abenaques, who held the territory between 
the Penobscot and the present ISTew Hampshire line. The Ab- 
enaques nation was divided into four tribes, consisting of the So- 
kokis, who lived on the shores of the Saco river; the.Wawenoes, 
whose grounds were east of Merr"\Tneeting Bay; the Canibas. who 



302 History of the Town of Peru 

occupied both sides of the Kennebec river from Meriy meeting Bay 
to Moosehead Lake; and the Anasagunticooks, wlio claimed the 
banks of the Androscoggin and the section irrigated by the chain 
of lakes that unites the waters of the Androscoggin with those of 
the Kennebec. These tribes were sub-divided into clans, after an 
Indian custom of giving the tribal name to the place occupied as 
a camping ground, or on the contrary of assuming the words used 
to signify some peculiarity of a location as the name of the tribe. 
Thus the Indians living near the falls of Teconnet, Waterville, were 
called Teoonnets. The Anasagunticooks were originally a power- 
ful and warlike people. They once bore the reputation of being the 
strongest and most ferocious of all tribes in New England. 

The first of their sagamores, whose name history has preserved, 
was Chogoando, whose signature, resembling a cross between a 
Chinese character and an Egyptian hieroglyphic struck by light- 
ning, appears on an Indian deed bearing the date of 1653, and 
conveying to Thomas Lake of Boston and Mr. Spencer of Charles- 
town, the historic lands east and west of the Kennebec. Another 
deed is on record, given by Worumbo, another sachem of the Anasa- 
gunticooks, to Richard Wharten, July 7, 1684, attesting his title 
to the lands formerl}^ held by Thomas Purchase of Brunswiclc. 
Philip Will, a young Indian who was b. at Cape Cod, was taken 
captive by the French at the siege of Louisburg, when he was four- 
teen years of age, and living among this tribe of savages many years, 
finally became their chief. He measured six feet and three inches 
in height and was finely proportioned. The Anasagunticooks were 
many times saved from total extinction by his efforts. The prin- 
cipal encampment of this tribe was at Brunswick Falls (by them 
called Pejepscot) until the English immigi'ants forced them farther 
up the riA^er. Jay Point or Canton Point became their rendezvous 
after leaving Pejepscot. The Indian name of this place was Roco- 
moco. It is well known there was a settlement of Indinn wigwams 
at Canton Point. It has come down to us through Molly Ockett, 
dau. of Indian chief, that she had seen here five hundred Indians 
at one time. Here tliey gathered from all points along the banks 
of the Androscoggin and its tributaries to hold their grand councils, 
and here they met other tribes to plan expeditions of warfare. 

This point possessed great advantages. It was too far back in 
the unexplored wilderness to be easily taken by the white settlers 
adjacent to the seacoast. It not only commanded a vast territory 



History of the Towx of Peru 303 

easr, uortli to the lakes, and west, but held the key to three dis- 
tinct routes to the ocean. The first of these was down the Andros- 
coggin in the direct course to the confluence of the Kennebec; 
thence through Merrjaneeting Bay to the ocean. The second route, 
down the Androscoggin a few miles to Dead river, and up said 
river to Androscoggin pond, in the town of Leeds; thence by 
short portage in town of Wayne into Wilson pond; thence by 
portage to Cochnewagan pond, Monmouth Cent.; thence by the 
tributary and portage into Sabattus pond, and down the Sabattus 
river into the lowei' Andro?coggiii. 

The third route was, like the second, as far as Wilson pond, at 
-.\o)-th Monmouth; thence down the Wilson stream into the south, 
or Annabessacook pond ; thence into the Cobbosseecontee pond, and 
down the outlet into the Kennebec river; thence to Merrymeeting 
Bay. It is worthy of note, by the last route the waters of Andros- 
coggin pond and Dead river in Leeds can be diverted from the 
Androscoggin river to the Kennebec l)y excavation of earth a dis- 
tance of about one mile between Androscoggin pond and Wilson 
pond. Dead river, it is said, is so nearly level that it flows both 
ways, serving both an outlet and an inlet to Androscoggin pond 
at different periods. There is nearly a continuous waterway be- 
tween the tvv^o great rivers, a peculiar freak of nature. All of these 
ponds except Wilson took their names from the Anasagunticooks. 
Wilson was named after a white man. Sabattus was the name 
of an Indian chief who in 1775 acted as guide to Benedict Arnold 
when he ascended the Kennebec river on his expedition to Quebec. 
At his death he was buried on a mountain in Wales that bears his 
name. He belonged to the Anasagunticook tribe. 

At one time the Anasagunticooks numbering seven hundred as- 
sembled at Eocomoco (Canton Point) with the intention of attack- 
ing and burning Gostown, the name given by tlie first settlers to 
Brunswick. They glided down the Androscoggin in their canoes 
at dead of night. Before reaching the dangerous rapids of Ameris- 
coggin (Lewiston Falls) the chief detached a brave from the fleet, 
with the injunction to paddle with all haste to the highlands above 
the falls, and there build a signal fire; seeing which, tlie fleet 
would land, make a portage around the falls, and re-embark in the 
smooth river below. It so happened that Daniel Malcolm of Gos- 
town, a noted Indian hunter, by them known as Surgurnumby, i. e., 
"a very strong man," arrived on the scene just as the Indian was 
fanning into a flame the faint spark that he had produced with 



30G History of the Towk of Peru 

the "first comers" remained in Plymouth, and but few of their 
descendants are there now, Duxbury had the largest number of 
any one place, and there are today many descendants of those ''first 
comers" living in town. Go back about three generations and 
everybody most is related to each other and to several of the Pil- 
grims. The grant of the toAvn was made by Wm. Bradford, Esq., 
and his associates, to Miles Standish and others. In 1643, 80 
persons were able to bear arms, and population about -±00. Quite 
a number of gristmills, sawmills, etc., were operated at different 
times. Four school districts in 1735. Xov. 35, 16G8, was a day 
of thanksgiving throughout the colony. In 1641 there Avere eight 
churches in Plymouth colony, eight churches in Conn., and 24 in 
Mass. colony. There had been 84 deaths in Duxbury, 1688. Dux- 
bury incorporated June 17, 1637. In 1690 the ratable estate 
amounted to about $7500. In 1793 there were living in 
Duxbury sixty-three persons over 80 years of age, two of them 
nearly 90 years, and six past that age. Dec. 3, 1734, a whale was 
captured off the beach. 

Bradford's list of Mayflower passengers. The list according to 
families : 

John Carver, his wife, Katherine; Desire Minter; John How- 
land; Eoger Wilder; Wm. Latham; Jasper More; William Brad- 
ford and wife, Dorothy May (their son, John, came afterwards) ; 
Edward Winslow, his wife, Elizabeth Barker; George Soul; Elias 
Story; Ellen More; William Brewster, his wife, Mary, their sons. 
Love and Wrestling; Eichard More and his brother; Isaac Aler- 
ton, his wife, Mary Norris, tlieir children, Bartholomew, Eemem- 
ber and Mary; John Hooke; John Crackston and son, John; Capt. 
Miles Standish and his wife, Eose; SamueL Puller (his wife and 
child came 1633) ; Christopher Martin, his wife; Solomon Prower; 
Jolm Langemore (employees) ; Wm. Mullins and wife, their chil- 
dren, Joseph and Priscilla; Eobert Carter; Stephen Hopkins, his 
wife, Elizabeth, their children, Giles, Constance (by a former wife), 
Damaris and Oceanus; Edward Dotey (or Doten) and Edward Lis- 
ter (employees) ; William White, his wife, Susanna, and son, Ee- 
solved; William Holbeck; Edward Thompson (employees), d. be- 
fore end of March, 1631 ; Eichard Warren (his wife and five daugh- 
ters came in 1633, two sons prol)ably in 1631) ; Francis Cook and 
son, John (wife came in 1633) ; John Billington and wife, Eleanor, 
and son, John Francis; Edward Tilley and his wife, Ann, their 
cousins, Henry Sampson and Humility Cooper : John Tilley, wife. 



History of the Towx of Peru 307 

Bridget Tan dii Yelde, their Elizabeth; Thomas Eogers and son, 
Joseph; Thomas Tinker, his wife and their son; John Eidgedale 
and his wife, Alice; James Chilton, his wife and their dau., Mary; 
Edward Fuller, his wife and their son, Samuel; John Turner and 
his two sons ; Francis Eaton, his wife, Sarah, and infant son, Sam- 
uel; Dagony Priest (his wife and children came in 1632) ; Moses 
Fletcher; John Goodman; Thomas Williams; Edmund Margeson; 
Eichard Britteridge ; John Allerton ; Eichard Clark ; Thomas Eng- 
lish ; Peter Brown ; Gilbert Winslow ; Eichard Gardner ; John Alden 
(cooper) ; William Trever, and Ely (hired seaman), d. be- 
fore end of March, 1621. Just half their number, fifty-one, sur- 
vived the first sickness. 

A list of the passengers of The Fortune. N'ov. 20, 1621, just 
one year from the day the Mayflower sighted the hills of Cape Cod, 
The Fortune was sighted by the sentry at Fort Hill, greatly to the 
surprise and joy of the little band with thirty-three new colonists, 
to wit: John Adams, Wm. Bassett and Elizabeth, Edward Bum- 
pass, Jonathan Brewster, Clement Briggs, Thomas Cushman, Steph- 
en Deane, Philipdela N"oye, widow Martha Ford, with children, 
William, John and Martha, Eobert Hicks, William Palmer, Wil- 
liam Palmer, Jr., Thomas Prences, Moses Simonson, John Winslow, 
William Wright, William Beal, John Cannon, William Cannon, 
Thomas Flavel and son, William Hilton, Bennet Morgan, Tliomas 
Morton, Austin Nicholas, William Pitt, Hugh Statie, James Stew- 
art, William Tench. The last thirteen d. or removed before 1827. 



Captain John Paul Jones 

John Paul Jones, b. at Arljigland, in Sootland, 1747, the son 
of a gardener named John PauL He became a sailor and was for 
a short time engaged in .the slave trade. He afterwards settled in 
Ya., assuming the name of Jones. He ardently einbiaeed the 
cause of the American colonies. When the congress in 1775 re- 
solved to fit out a naval force, he offered his services; and visiting 
the British coast in a brig of 18 guns, performed some remarkably 
bold exploits and took advantage of his familiarity with the scenes 
of his boyhood to make a hostile visit to the shores of the Solway 
Firth. In 1779 he was appointed to the command of a small 
squadron of French ships displaying the American flag, wdth which 
he again visited the British coasts, causing great alarm and taking 
some prizes. The King of France made him a chevalier of the 
order of Military Merit. In 1787 he acbepted an appointment 
in the Eussian service and the command of a fleet at the mouth of 
the Uneiper, in which he took an active part in the Turkish war, 
but soon left the service. He d. at Paris, 1792. It is well known 
that about a century later his remains were brought to the U. S. 
as a token of the liigh esteem of the American people for his 
achievements and valor in our behalf. 

America's Most Famous Flag 

Of all the thousands of flags which have vraved over the heads 
of Americans, one of them stands supreme in its unequaled fame. 
This one is the flag of Capt. John Paul Jones, the ^'Founder of 
the American Kavy." It was the naval hero's proud boast that 
he and tlie flag were twins, having been born together. "As long 
as M'e float, we shall float together," was the pledge which he kept 
to the end. It was fitting that the first flag to float over an Amer- 
ican vessel was hoisted on the Ranger by Jones himself, July 4, 
1777. The flag was made by a quilting party of young ladies at 
Portsmouth, IST. PL, where the Ranger was launched. The thir- 
teen white stars were cut from a white silk dress in which Helen 
Seavev had been married to a voung officer the Mav before. The 



310 HisTOitY or Tin: Towx ok l'j:i:r 

blue field and the red and wlii.te stripes Mere also of silk and were 
furnished and made up by Mary Langdon, Caroline Chandler, 
Helen Seavey, Augusta Pierce and Dorothy Hall, the last a niece 
of Elijah Hall, second lieutenant ol' the Eanger. It was the first 
example of the new symbol of liberty to be seen in European 
waters, and the first to be saluted by European powers in those 
waters, by the French at Quiberon ])ay, Dec. 14:, 1777. 

This was only the beginning of its fame. Jones took tlie flag 
with him when he gave up the "Ranger and spread it to the salt 
breeze when he stepped on the (piarter deck of fhe old B(m Homnib 
Eichard. But before that he had fought the Drake, and this was 
the first naval victory gained by the stars and stripes. This flag 
was the first ever hoisted over a foreign enemy after an American 
victory on the seas. Fierce as the fighting was that day off the 
Irish coast, and though it was the first time a British ship of war 
ever struck its colors to an inferior force, the flag came through the 
battle w'ithout a scar. This was also true of the fighting with the 
Serapis, September 13, 1779, the bloodiest battle ever won at sea. 

When Capt. Pearson struck at last, his sailors were cowed by 
the indomitable valor of J'ones and his men. The Serapis was 
uninjured, while the Bon Homme Richard was a total wreck. 
This engagement is the only one in the history of the sea in wdiich 
the victor sank and the vanquished floated. Transferring his 
wounded to the English ship, Capt. Jones had no more than time 
to save the living. His sixty gallant dead went down with the 
ship. As a final tribute to the valor of the brave Americans, this 
most famous flag went down with them. 

Common Ancestor 

The Pettengills of East Livermore, of whom AValdo Pettengill, 
Esq., of Eumford. is a lineal descendant; the Bisbees of Sumner, 
the offspring of Elisha Bisbee, senior, of whom Geo. Washington 
Bisbee of Peru, the father of Lieut. Geo. D. Bisbee, was a grand- 
son; and the Turner family, that branch who are the offspring of 
Eobinson Turner, senior, of Peru, all have one ancestral mother 
in Sarah Gannett of Duxbury, Mass. It is worthy of note that 
she was the progenitor of three races of people, and tliat some 
representative of each race lived and died in Peru. 

Sarah Gannett m. about 1755, Daniel Pettengill in Duxl)ury. 
Their children: — Mathew, b. June 1. 1756; Daniel, Jr., and MoUv. 




Mrs. Maiy i'.ishee, 1S18-18.S5, wife ol' Cieoiire \\'. Bisbce. 




George ^\'. Bisbce was born in lUieklield, .luly (jtli. 1S12. 
.lanuarv 27th. 187i'. 



He (lied iu Peru, 



IIlSTOUY OF THE ToWX OF TfRU 311 

The jjarent Daniel was killed by overtiirn of load of mast timber 
in lT()o. His Avidow remarried, May 10, ITGG, Amos Ford, in 
Duxbury, and had by liim daughter Lillis, who m. Eobinson 
Turner, senior. Daughter Molly Pettengill, b. Jan. 0, ITGO, m. 
at Duxbury, l^TU, Elisha Bisbee, senior, b. Mar. I, I'} 57, a Lieut, 
in war of devolution. Tliey had twenty ehibhen. He d. at 
Sumner, Dec. 1, 182(;. Wife d. Aug. 20, 1811. Mathew Petten- 
gill 111. around l^S-"). JV-tliia Ford, and had nine children. The 
iirst was Elisha, b. IMay -38, KSG. The seventh was Polly, who 
m. Perkins Turner in Peru. Elisha Pettengill ni. ]\Iehitable Hub- 
bard, and had ten ehibhen. 'ilie Iirst was Oliver, b. Oct. 15, 
1814. m. Oct. 19, 181;), Huldah Baker, had son, Waldo, above 
mentioned, b. Dec. 1, 1814, and two daughters. 

Elisha Bisbee, Jr., a worthy mend)er of the Bapti^t church, m. 
and settled in Buckfield, where were b. July 6, 181?, twin sons, 
(Jeorge Washington and Thomas Jefferson Bisbee. Family re- 
moved to Sumner in 1815. where several other children were b. 
and reared. He had also a good family of children by a second 
wife, of whom in part were Sabre AV. Bisbee, who m. Orville Rob- 
inson : Jane Y. Bisbee, who m. Oct. 1, 1855, James McDonald, a 
leader of band in the 11th ife. Pegt. He d. in Xevada, 1880. 
His widow d. at Eumford, in the family of her adopted daughter, 
Mr. and Mrs. James Kerr. Elisha Bisbee, Jr., d. Dec. 18, 1871, 
on home farm. George Washington Bisl^ee, m. Mary Howe of 
Pumford, b. Jan. •?7, 1813. and d. in Buckfield, June 25, 1885. 
He settled in Hartford and learned the blacksmith's trade. Their 
only cliihh Oeo. D. Bisbee, was 1). there in 1811. Both yiarcnts 
were members of the Baptist church. Family removed to Peru 
in 1857, having purchased the old Benj. Fo])es farm with new 
buildings erected by John Tjara. and sidiscquenlly sold to Edwai'd 
Barbar. Mr. Bisbee was a prosperous farmer here a term of 
years. With other farm products he had several acres of hops in 
fine culture. Health failing, he sold farm, and d in Peru, Jan. 
27, 1872. 

\n the fall of 185!). two of ,lhe ])r()ininent pn])ils who atteml- 
ed a tuition term of school in district Xo. 2 in I'eru. taught by 
writer, were Roscoe Smith and Geo. D. Bisbee. Their leading 
studies were arithmetic and English grammar. They made thor- 
ougli ])rogress in their studies and laid the foundation for tlieir 
professional careers, and continued their studies under Preceptor 
Henry B. Walton at West Peru in fall of 18G0. Xow came our 



31-<J IIisTOKY oi- TiiH Town of Feuu 

eountrj^'s call to war. Geo. D. Bisbee, ae. 21, Poi'u, Must. 1st 
Sergt., Aug. 11, 1862, Co. C, 16tli Eegt., Me. Vols.; promoted 
2nd Lieut., wounded Dee. 10, 1862, discharged by reason of 
wounds Apr. 25, 1863. Notwithstanding a running sore and dis- 
charge of fragments of bone from wounds in arm, he rushed to 
the front and participated in the surrender at Appomattox Court 
House, Apr. 9, 1865. He next resumed the study of law and was 
admitted to Oxford Bar. He is quite eminent as a business 
lawyer in heavy cases in different parts of the state. He is a 
n?<^mber of the Baptist church, lias always stood for temperance, is 
president of the Eumford Falls Trust Co., has been director and 
attorney for the P. & R. F. Ey. and is now one of the attorneys 
for the M. C. Ey. He has proved a noble son of a long line of 
nobility an honor to his race. 



OBITUARIES 

Marcellus S. Atkins 

Marcellus S. Atkins, mentioned on pages 4:9 and 50, closed 
this life around Xov. 1, 1911, at West Peru. In war of 1861-5 
he was Must. Pvt., ae. 19, Dec. 23, 1863, from Peru, Co. I, First 
Eegt. H. A., and subsequently promoted Coi-p. He was Must, 
out with command Sept. 11, 1865. Pending his twenty months 
and .twenty-one days' service he gained record of the (following dis- 
abilities, to wit: Measles, lung fever, lumbago, and sciatica rheu- 
matism, chills -and fever. He was .treated in four different hos- 
pitals. 'Eecords made it easy to substantiate a pension claim. It 
was just here the personality of this man 'was ,revealed to a marked 
degree. The filing of pension claims in town ibegan in 1886. 
In June of that year • writer had filed eight , for soldiers 
in town. He sought Mr. Atkins, who promptly replied, "No pen- 
sion for me so long as I can work." It was a year before he yield- 
ed. During thirty years' practice as .pension attorney, writer has 
found only one other similar case, and that was in town of Mon- 
mouth. 




is-ll. LIKLT. GKO. J». BISBEE. 
Attorney, ami President of Maine I'.aptist Afissionary Convention, l!»il. 



History of the Towx of Peru 313 

Daniel W. Walker, Peru 

Peru, Me., Jan. 2, 1913 (Special). — On Sunday occurred tlie 
death of Dan W. Walker, a life-long resident of Peru. For the 
past 15 years ,he had served the people and the M. C. E. E. faith- 
fully and well as station agent, being constantly at his post of duty 
till two weeks ago, when he was ^taken suddenly ill, and since that 
time has been a great suiferer. He leaves a mother, whose home 
was with him, a widow, two sons and four daughters. 



Errata 

Page 17 — Sixth line — Valentine should read Volentine. 

Page 22 — Fourteenth line — Same correction; |this man spelled 
his name Volentine. 

Page 31 — Twenty-first line — Number of Mayflower passengers 
should be fiftj'-one. 

Page 40— Tenth line— Omit "at." 

Page 42 — Seventeenth line — Rothrus should read Botheus. 

Page 5G — Twenty-second line — Make date of Ira M. Andrews' 
death 1895 instead of 895. 

Page 80— Thirty-third line— Pond. E. T. Ry. should read P. 
and E. T. Ey. 

Page ,82 — Thirty-seventh line — Before should read reform. 

Page 97 — Twenty-first line — Selme should read Salome. 

Page 117 — Twenty-nintli line — Zodac should read Zadoc. 

Page 121 — Welds should read Wells. 

Page 124 — Weld should Tead Wells. 

Page 131 — Thirty-eighth line — Insert 'Svho" after Cross. 

Page 143 — Seventh line — Hamilton should read Hodsdon. 

Page 187 — Fifth line from bottom — Knigh should read Knight, 

Page 197 — Thirteenth line — Lary sliould read Leary. 

Page 201 — Fourth line from bottom — Omit "wife of" and 
"school." Sarah E. should read Sarah E. Hall. 

Page 226— Seventh line— Omit "except." 



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